Researchers at the University of California have been taking a closer look at human milk and are finding that a large part of the breast milk seems to have a role beyond infant nutrition. An indigestible substance in breast milk  promotes a strain of bacteria found in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. This bacteria may act as a probiotic and provide support for the baby’s immune system. Researchers are looking at the contents of breast milk to discover how to best feed and defend the human body. A great read!

To lighten the back to school load, parents can encourage their children to pack their own lunches. Younger kids can help in the lunch packing process while older children can assume most of the responsibility. The combined child parental involvement creates an opportunity to teach healthy food choices. The complete article can be viewed at the Baylor College of Medicine website.

A research study involving 186 food products marketed to toddlers and babies found that more than half have too many calories coming from sugar. Researchers from the University of Calgary found some foods with corn syrup and sugar listed as the first two ingredients on the food label. Ingredients used in the greatest amount are listed first on the label, followed in descending order by those in smaller amounts.

The increasing rise in childhood obesity and corresponding risk of diabetes has made parents very aware of the added sugars and calories in packaged foods. Making healthy food choices for their children will reduce these risks.

A commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that schools offer classes in cooking instruction, grocery shopping, food safety, and nutrition information. The hope is that a return to the home economics classes of the past will have a positive effect in reducing obesity and Type II diabetes among school children.

We welcome comments from our Bumkins blog readers.

Do you think these classes are a good way for children to learn about nutrition?

Do you think the classes would be an effective tool in the fight against obesity?

One of our readers will be selected to receive a Bumkins Super bib!

The current issue of Time magazine has a very interesting article about how parents’ experience early in their lives might somehow alter the traits their offspring inherit. The article deals with a new science called epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene activity, brought about by environmental factors, which get passed down to the next generation. A great read for parents interested in how their diet, stress, and prenatal nutrition can make an imprint on their children’s genes.