(NaturalHealth365)  So many parents can relate to the experience of the late-night (and often same day) rush of packing their kid’s lunch, without much thought about ingredient quality.  But the reality is: what goes into your child’s lunch matters more than many people realize.

A recent Consumer Reports study sheds light on this, particularly concerning popular kids’ Lunchables – which adults eat, as well!  Shockingly, these beloved snacks are packed with significant amounts of lead and other cancer-causing ingredients.  Therefore, now is the time to consider what we’re feeding our children with more compassion and consumer awareness.

Think twice before packing Lunchables for you and your family

The dozen Lunchable products examined by Consumer Reports contained artificial flavors and ingredients that may satisfy taste buds but also pose risks to health.  The analysis found that five of these Lunchables contained more than 50% of California’s legal limit of lead and other cancer-causing ingredients.

While unlikely, there is still a possibility that Lunchables may be removed from grocery store shelves in California.  These quick-fix meal kits are appealingly packaged in vibrant colors and are undeniably tasty.  However, the study mentioned above emphasizes that they are primarily composed of highly processed carbohydrates, sugars, and meats.  In particular, the processed meat that forms the core of Lunchables has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Lunchables’ sodium level should have every parent and child concerned

The Consumer Reports analysis emphasized the unsafe levels of sodium in Lunchables.  The amount of sodium in Lunchables’ snack and lunch kits tested between 460 milligrams and 740 milligrams.

Such amounts represent nearly 25% of the daily recommended sodium limit for a child.  The sodium amounts in the cheddar and turkey variations of the meal kits were especially shocking, coming in at a whopping 930 milligrams.

Other meal kits similar to Lunchables are also laden with cancer-causing chemicals

Food brands to avoid: Consumer Reports expanded its analysis to include a dozen other quick-fix meal kits produced by brands such as Oscar Mayer, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., LunchMakers, and Armour.

The findings revealed the presence of cadmium, lead, and other harmful components in each of these products.  However, conventionally speaking, the lead and cadmium levels in the Lunchables alternatives did not exceed the federal limit.  But, since when did any health conscious person trust government health agency guidelines?

Furthermore, ongoing testing of other lunch kits uncovered elevated levels of sodium.  The school cafeteria version of Lunchables, for example, contained an average of around 600 milligrams of sodium per serving, significantly surpassing the recommended daily limit for children aged four to eight.

Ignore the risk of Lunchables’ cadmium at your own peril

Cadmium, a chemical element, has been linked to a litany of health problems, including respiratory issues, kidney problems, and even bone weakness.  Cadmium is officially classified as a carcinogen.  There is no safe level of cadmium exposure for kids.

Cadmium and lead are found in the soil that crops are grown in, meaning they cannot be completely avoided.  Some farmers use excessive amounts of metal-containing pesticides.  Though disturbing, the little-known truth that everyone should be aware of is that 17 studies have determined that exposure to heavy metals (like cadmium and lead) early in life increases the chances of criminal behavior in adulthood.

Healthy lunch alternatives to replace unhealthy Lunchables

Resist the temptation to take the Lunchables shortcut and opt for a healthier substitute.  While it may be convenient, most school cafeteria lunches are loaded with denatured salt and toxic (overly processed) fats, so don’t assume those generic options will suffice.

Instead, consider packing a nutritious lunch consisting of organic fruit and vegetables for a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, a sandwich made with organic bread or some leftovers from a delicious meal the night before to hunger at bay.  Pair it with a low-sugar dessert, such as yogurt or a piece of dark chocolate, for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Bottom line: by making these simple changes, you’ll provide your child (or yourself) with better food choices to fuel the body without the unwanted toxins.

Sources for this article include:

Consumerreports.org
Thegatewaypundit.com