Post by Tim Wescott on Mar 27, 2004 14:24:33 GMT -5
Texas Schools Adding Fish Oil to Lunches
Something a little fishy has been happening with the nutritious meals being served to children at some South Texas schools. Some of the old favorites such as pork tamales, breakfast tacos with bacon and nacho cheese are being injected with oil taken from a tiny, herring-like fish, which contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to positive health benefits including lowered risk of heart attacks.
Critics have shown their skepticism to the benefits of adding omega-3 to foods and believe the quantity of omega-3 being added isn’t enough to show any real benefit.
Advocates of fish oil have perceived this as a milestone in making lunchtime healthier without compromising the children’s favorite dishes, while others are saying the children would benefit more from being taught on nutritious foods.
Some studies have shown that the fatty acids from the fish oil can be used to fight behavioral disorders, learning disabilities and improve brain functioning.
Further findings of the growing use of fish oil in schools can be seen through its formal addition to the list of foods schools can purchase through the co-op at the 38 school districts in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
Beginning in the summer of 2004, the Texas Department of Agriculture will implement a new rule requiring a cutback of fatty foods from children’s plates.
Star Telegram March 8, 2004
Something a little fishy has been happening with the nutritious meals being served to children at some South Texas schools. Some of the old favorites such as pork tamales, breakfast tacos with bacon and nacho cheese are being injected with oil taken from a tiny, herring-like fish, which contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to positive health benefits including lowered risk of heart attacks.
Critics have shown their skepticism to the benefits of adding omega-3 to foods and believe the quantity of omega-3 being added isn’t enough to show any real benefit.
Advocates of fish oil have perceived this as a milestone in making lunchtime healthier without compromising the children’s favorite dishes, while others are saying the children would benefit more from being taught on nutritious foods.
Some studies have shown that the fatty acids from the fish oil can be used to fight behavioral disorders, learning disabilities and improve brain functioning.
Further findings of the growing use of fish oil in schools can be seen through its formal addition to the list of foods schools can purchase through the co-op at the 38 school districts in the lower Rio Grande Valley.
Beginning in the summer of 2004, the Texas Department of Agriculture will implement a new rule requiring a cutback of fatty foods from children’s plates.
Star Telegram March 8, 2004