A healthy diet is very important for the physical and mental development of children. Actually, childhood eating habits have a direct effect on the long term health of children, which can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes and obesity in the future. Therefore, you should decide the diet of the child very thoughtfully.
Delhi-based nutrition expert Neha Bansal advises parents to avoid or give less of some foods, which can have a negative effect on the physical and metabolic growth of children. Here we are telling you about 5 such common foods, which experts forbid feeding to children and also tell the science based reasons behind it.
Sweet curd or flavored yogurt: Plain curd is very good, but flavored yogurts made for children often contain a lot of sugar, artificial colors and other chemical substances. These make it less of a healthy food and more of a sweet. Children should have no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day. Many fruit yogurts can have up to 20 grams of sugar in a single serving. Instead, choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruit at home.
Processed meat: Hot dogs, bacon and packaged cold cuts have become common in children's diets, but they are usually high in sodium, preservatives such as nitrates and unhealthy saturated fats. Eating them regularly can increase the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol in the teenage years. For protein, choose grilled chicken, eggs, pulses or fish.
Ultra-processed snacks: Ultra-processed snacks such as microwave popcorn may taste delicious, but many brands are loaded with sodium, artificial flavors and unhealthy fats. These fall into the category of ultra-processed foods, which are linked to poor heart health. Research shows that a diet rich in these foods is linked to inflammation, weight gain, and increased cholesterol levels in children and teens. Air-popped popcorn or minimally processed snacks are healthier options.
Cereals and soft drinks: Many breakfast cereals marketed for kids are highly refined and loaded with sugar. Similarly, sugary beverages like soda and fruit-flavored drinks destabilize blood sugar, decrease energy and contribute to increased obesity over time. The CDC says these drinks are a major source of added sugar in children's diets and can cause insulin resistance in early childhood.
Support whole grains like oatmeal, and offer water or unsweetened milk instead of sweetened beverages.
Fried foods: Fried snacks and fast foods like chips and nuggets are often high in trans fats and calories but low in essential nutrients. Even if your kids like them, they encourage unhealthy food habits and are often eaten simply for fun or emotional comfort rather than hunger. Research shows that there is a link between frequent consumption of fried foods and increased bad cholesterol and inflammation in young people. Avoid fried foods and choose baked options.
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