A recent article titled, “Food for Thought – How to Raise the World’s IQ,” in The Economist noted a steady and unprecedented rise in IQ over the last seven decades.  Scientists attribute this historic rise of 2.2 IQ points per decade to improved nutrition and mental stimulation among children.

According to the article: “Just as muscles need food and exercise to grow strong, so the brain needs the right nutrients and activity to develop. Kids today are much less likely to be malnourished than they were in past decades, and more likely to go to school.”

While encouraging, the article urges caution especially since poverty impacts children’s healthy diets which could affect continuing IQ advancements. “Poor nutrition and a lack of stimulation can translate into a loss of as many as 15 IQ points. This has woeful consequences: one study found stunting led to incomes being 25% lower.”

In discussions regarding nutrition, and more specifically the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in children’s diets, we often get lost in “good versus bad” and “organic versus conventional” conversations.  While decades of peer reviewed studies and government data show both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables are very safe and can be eaten with confidence, the “good versus bad” generalizations carried by certain groups has a detrimental impact on low income consumers’ consumption of these healthy foods.

In fact, peer reviewed studies show that low income consumers exposed to inaccurate safety  messaging regarding conventionally grown produce state they are less likely to purchase any produce – organic or conventionally grown.

It should be noted that organic/conventional safety debates are considered irrelevant by scientists and those with knowledge about on-farm production practices.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which sets organic farming standards, clearly states, “Organic is a production term – it does not address quality, safety or nutritional value of a product.”

For these reasons and more, the Alliance for Food and Farming promotes a simple message of choice to consumers: Choose what fruits and vegetables are affordable and accessible to you and your family and buy the produce you prefer and enjoy.

The benefits of a healthy diet, which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, on children’s bodies and brains has been quantified repeatedly.  The Economist article provides more information about the significant impact of proper nutrition on our communities.

Consumers should not be “guilted” into more expensive purchases in the produce aisle nor should they be scared away from the more affordable and accessible fruits and vegetables.  There is just too much to lose to advocate against something we should advocate for, like proper nutrition and affordable diets.