7 Harmful Foods That Children Eat Regularly

Children who start eating foods containing a lot of sugar at an early age may experience a decrease in their taste buds; food gradually becomes unappealing to them and thus, can easily cause anorexia. In addition, foods containing a lot of sugar are not recommended for children because they can affect the physiological characteristics of the body.

Below are 7 foods you should avoid feeding your children to maintain a healthy diet and ensure good health.

1. Juice

Packaged juices are popular with children of all ages. They are convenient and often come in bright, attractive packaging. However, a glass of juice contains 5-6 teaspoons of sugar. The dissolved sugar is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream and adversely affects metabolism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends eating fruit instead of drinking juice. The fiber in fruit helps the juice to be absorbed more slowly. Occasionally, you can switch it up with fresh fruit juice or smoothies.

2. Yogurt

To choose a healthy yogurt, you need to read the ingredients on the label. First, don't buy yogurt that hasn't been refrigerated. Second, buy plain yogurt instead of sweetened (sweetened) yogurt.

Fruit yogurts are high in sugar, fat and calories, making children more likely to become obese and increasing their risk of diabetes.

3. Cereals

Instant cereals are often advertised as being packed with vitamins and minerals; but in reality, they are devoid of any healthy elements. All the healthy components of corn, wheat, and oats are stripped away during processing, leaving only carbohydrates.

Children will quickly become hungry after consuming these foods. A better alternative is oatmeal. You can add fruits and nuts to make it more appealing to children.

4. Honey

Children under 2 years old should not eat honey. This is not only because honey can cause allergies, but sometimes it contains bacteria that can lead to a serious infectious disease called botulism.

5. Grapes

These fruits contain vitamins and minerals that children need. But the round, smooth shape of grapes can pose a choking hazard.

Also, grapes are harder for children to digest. Bananas are a great alternative for children under 2 years old.

6. Multivitamins for children

Vitamins for children are a controversial topic. The problem is that parents often rely on their own knowledge and experience rather than expert advice; this can lead to mistakes and even dangers. Even vitamins that are considered harmless need to be prescribed by a doctor.

Children should get the vitamins they need from food, without taking any supplements.

7. Milkshakes

When faced with the choice between soda and milkshakes, parents often choose milkshakes because they feel safer. But in reality, they contain just as much fat and sugar as soda.

A recent study by a team of scientists from the Medical College of Georgia shows that regular consumption of fatty drinks can lead to cardiovascular diseases. This product is dangerous even for adults.

However, banning children from eating sweets will not work, but parents need to build their attitude towards this food group. Explain to children that sweets are desserts and they cannot replace normal food. If a person has good eating habits from a young age, they will have the conditions to maintain a healthy diet when they grow up.