Effects of too much sugar on children

Introduction: Sugar and Children

Childhood and sugar are inextricably related. There are very few things a child like more than her sugary treats. Their world lights up with sugar in the form of chocolates, colourful candies, and other sweets. Sugar is so enormously loved by the children that parents often use them as rewards for good behaviour or for a job well done. The supply of sugar is also incessant. In addition to the parents, sugar in the form of chocolates and candies also come from visiting relatives and acquaintances, school friends, and from every other conceivable places. The result, needless to say, turns pretty debilitating. Excessive sugar in foods have long lasting health implications. In this article we shall discuss about the effects of too much sugar on children.

Recommended Quantity of Sugar for children

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its new guidelines for sugar intake for adults and children have recommended reduced intake of free sugar throughout the life. According to WHO the intake of free sugar should be less than 10% of total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% of total energy intake will have further benefits, according to them.

As per the American Heart Association (AHA) children below 2 years old should not have any free sugar at all. For children between 2-18 years old, recommended daily intake of sugar is 25 grams (6 teaspoons) or less. A study has found that more than 81% of children in the US eat more sugar than this recommended quantity. This, in turn, often leads to a higher BMI when they become older.

Harmful Effects of having too much sugar on children

There are raging controversies among scientists about addictive properties of sugar. Some believe that sugar can be more addictive than cocaine, citing the immediate pleasure caused by the release of a flood of dopamine from eating sugar make one addicted to sugar. While other scientists disagree in equating sugar with drugs; the harmful effects of eating too much sugar in diet remains incontrovertible.

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1. Obesity and having too much sugar on diet

Malnutrition among overweight kids is difficult to ascertain. When too much sugary foods are consumed, the quantity of nutritious food in diet automatically gets reduced. Sugary foods lead to obesity that can have several long-term consequences, including an onset of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, fatty liver, joint pain and more.

2. Suppression of Immune system.

Eating sugary foods is directly related to the suppression of immune system. White blood cells in our body are responsible for fighting off infections. These white blood cells are highly affected by excess sugar consumption. They cannot do their jobs as well.  Therefore, consuming a lot of sugar through foods and beverages reduces our body’s innate ability to ward off diseases.

3. Increased risk of diabetes

While direct correlation of developing type 2 diabetes with consuming sugar have not been established, it is found that people who regularly drink sugar sweetened beverages have a 25% more risk of developing diabetes. In fact, countries where sugar consumption is highest also have highest rates of type 2 diabetes, whereas those with lowest consumption have lowest rates. Diabetes is a terrible condition that may harm a child’s kidneys, eyes and blood vessels.

4. Effect of having too much sugar on the eyesight of children

An increased sugar content in diet may lead to a swelling of the eyes that in turn may cause reduced or blurry vision.

5. Digestive issues

Excessive sugar in diet reduces the effectiveness of good bacteria in the gut. As gut bacteria help in digestion, this leads to an increased possibility of indigestion, heartburn, gas etc.

6. Tooth Decay

Eating sugary foods is directly responsible for decayed tooth among children

7. Sugar and the Brain

A study conducted at the University of Southern California found that excess consumption of sugar intake interferes with normal functioning of brain that includes hindrance in remembering minor details about one’s environment. UCLA researchers have found sugar intake slows down the brain. The researchers found in their experiment with rats than too much fructose had damaged the rats’ synaptic activity

Alternatives to sugar

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Whole fruits

Fruits are both sweet and colourful and it would not be an exaggeration to call them nature’s candies. Although they too have sugar, it isn’t refined or processed sugar that is found in most desserts.  Two to three servings of fruits like apples, bananas, berries, pomegranate can meet sweet craving of a child.

Dry fruits

Dry fruits like raisins and dates are rich in minerals and fibre.  Low quantities of dry fruits can act as an alternative to sugar.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter in appropriate quantities is tasty and healthy snacks. When mixed with fruits peanut butter can help satisfy a child’s sweet tooth. It is also a very good source of healthy fat.

Organic honey

1-2 teaspoons of Organic Honey in a week is good for health. In addition to meeting a child’s sweet cravings, it is also a good source of antioxidant, along with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Jaggery

Jaggery, like organic honey, if eaten in moderation (2 spoons in a week), can be a healthy alternative to processed sugar. It is also rich in antioxidants and helps in strengthening immunity

Greek yoghurt

Greek Yoghurt, without added flavours or sugar, can be used as a tasty substitute to sugar.  One can prepare healthy and delicious sundaes with Greek yogurt using nuts and fruits.

To separate a child from her daily dose of sugar is indeed a difficult job, especially if she is used to having a lot of it in her diet. However, a concerted effort must be made to reduce the free sugar intake among children, seeing how long term and debilitating health effects of too much sugar on children.

 

 

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Paneer Do Pyaza

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Paneer Do Pyaza

  • Author: Meenu Agarwal
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 25 Minutes

Description

Paneer Do Pyaza is a gravy-based Indo-Pakistani Mughlai recipes that use plenty of onions to add both body and flavor, with the onions cooked in two different ways and incorporated into the recipe at different times. Paneer dopiaza is a dish, half the onions are blended into a paste, with aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, and a mild souring agent like tomato or yoghurt (or powdered unripe mango) or lemon/lime in Hyderabadi Cuisine), and briefly cooked with a little oil until fragrant, before the main ingredient is added and the mixture cooked down further to form a thick gravy. The remaining onions are sliced and deep-fried until browned and crisp to serve as a topping, which is added to the dish just before serving.


Scale

Ingredients

  • 100 gms Paneer (cottage cheese)
  • 2medium Onion
  • 1 Green Chili, de-seeded and chopped
  • 1 tspKasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 large Tomato
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 Green Cardamom
  • 1 small piece of Bay Leaf
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • 1 tbsp. Oil
  • 1 tbsp. Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup Water

Instructions

1) Cut paneer into 1-inch cubes. Finely chop tomatoes into puree.

2) Finely chop 1 onion. Cut remaining onion into 4 equal parts and separate its layers. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan and sauté onion layers until light brown. Transfer them to a plate.

3) Heat ½ tsp oil in the same pan. Add cumin seeds, green cardamom and bay leaf, when they begin to sizzle, add chopped onion and sauté until light brown.

4) Add grated ginger garlic paste and green chili; sauté for a minute.

5) Add crushed tomato puree and sauté until oil starts to separate.

6) Add kasurimethi, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, sugar and salt; mix well and cook for 1 minute.

7) Add paneer cubes, shallow fried onions, 1/2 cup water and cook for 3-4 minutes.

8) Transfer prepared sabzi to serving bowl. Garnish paneer do pyaza with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.



Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 160 – 170 KCAL
  • Fat: 15 – 17 GM
  • Carbohydrates: 25 – 30 GM
  • Protein: 10 – 12 GM

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Managing Kids weight

As parents of growing kids we all are constantly worried about the health and well- being of our toddlers or growing kids till they listen to us and we can still influence their food choices. But the current facts and figures from WHO are worrisome and reflect that we are not able to do a good job at that, with alarming increases in Overweight and obese children.

Asia houses 50 % of the world’s obese children & 75 % if we take Africa into account. WHO Reported 41 million obese children under the age of 5 years Kids above 5 years of age and obese would be similarly alarming.

Possible that our kids could be among the counted nos and contributing to the above statistics.

Causes

1.Side effect of globalization and urbanization & children are increasingly being raised in obese genic environments, where fatty foods are the most affordable option or are the only choice for some segments of the society.

2.Urbanization has led to lower or no physical activity for kids growing up today.

3.Some cultures promote overweight child as one that is healthy and is well off. Plump children are not frowned upon and some people even view chubbiness in young children as a sign of good health.

Impact

1.Type-2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way child’s body uses sugar (glucose). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Medical practitioners say that we are seeing younger people getting ischaemic heart disease.

2.Children can develop high blood pressure or high cholesterol due to poor food habits.

3.Children who are overweight or obese may be more likely to have asthma.

4.Symptoms of fatty liver (non- alcoholic) have also been found in obese kids.

5.Children often tease or bully their overweight peers, resulting in loss of self-esteem and can result in depression.

Solutions

1.First, the family needs to acknowledge this a serious problem and needs immediate attention now. Consult a Medical practitioner and a Dietitian on making the right food choices and advise.

2.Obesity is partly genetic and partly created by the environment we live in. Family members have to change/modify their lifestyles and eating habits together as the kids look upon parents and other family members as role models.

3.Engage in physical activity. Parents to participate too in physical activity together.

4.Be aware of the contents of the food that we serve. Good to know what we consume.

5.Reduce snacking of cakes, cookies and sweetened drinks, chips, fried food, burgers etc. As parents let’s show the way by reducing intake of the above.

6.Introduce healthy snack options to the children such as fresh fruits and vegetables with healthy dips(like apple slices, cucumber, carrots, celery sticks with yogurt- mint dip/ guacamole/ fresh salsa).

7.Ensure that fruits and vegetables are part of the daily diet.

8.Nuts are a good source of nutrients and keep us full for a long time.

9.Don’t overfull the plate for children. Ensure only the right portion of the food is served on the plate.

10.Drink adequate glasses of water.

11.Reduce salt intake

This is not to say that we should deprive our kids of our junk food and sweet cravings.

Single scoop of ice cream, one small packet of potato chips, one mid-size serving of Fast food etc. once or twice a week.

It is our responsibility as parents to educate our kids on good food habits and maintain healthy weight and also be role models by following the same.

Meenu Agarwal, Dietitian advises parents on kids weight loss and obesity reduction programs.

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Childhood obesity: a start to future diseases

Growing up in a traditional Indian setup, I am aware of how obsessed we are about healthy-looking babies. But there’s a fine line of difference between ‘healthy’ and ‘healthy-looking’, especially from an Indian perspective. For the longest time most people have associated excessive weight with good health. And as a result, the contents of the diets of children and teens go unchecked.

Sadly, the lack of informed care has led to a tremendous rise in the number of overweight and obese children, especially in developed countries with urban cities seeing a more pronounced manifestation of the problem.

Why should you be concerned?

The consequent problem that stems out of this situation is that overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and are at a greater risk of developing diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Fat cells, especially those stored around the waist, secrete hormones and other substances that fire inappropriate inflammation that in turn interrupts the metabolic process in the body, leading to higher blood sugar levels and, eventually, to diabetes and its many complications.

Excessive weight is also directly linked to does blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and inflammation, thus upping the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Fat deposits on the body also have negative impact on respiratory functions, leading to Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea. Osteoarthritis is also a possible outcome of obesity as excess weight places mechanical and metabolic strains on bones, muscles, and joints.

How to find out if a kid is overweight or obese?

Overweight and obesity is defined as abnormally excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.The most commonly used measure for overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI) —calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). This is a rough estimate of whether someone is overweight or obese.

Causes of obesity and excessive weight in children

Although child obesity could be hereditary, this one cause is easily reversible. The current crop of causes that have resulted in a mass infestation of the issue goes beyond genes. Unhealthy dietary patterns, with an alarming increase in junk food consumption, physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle in general, use of drugs and medication, and stress. Irresponsible media propagation of packaged food high in sugar and sodium and containing preservatives and trans fat and a general view of “tasty food” being different from “healthy food” has a marked influence on the diets of children.

Obesity is preventable and reversible

The bright side is that overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. Here are some simple changes in your day-to-day lifestyle that could keep obesity at bay:

Encourage healthy eating habits. Educate children on the benefits of healthy food early on.

  • Include plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products
  • Substitute whole fat milk or dairy products low-fat or non-fat ones
  • Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans as the source of protein, and as such, keep the meals protein-heavy, reducing intake of carbohydrates and fats
  • Serve medium size portions, and especially keep the last meal of the day light
  • Check consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, high-sodium packaged food and saturated and trans fat

Inculcate the habit of associating health with taste. Find healthier ways to cook their favorite foods. For example:

  • Pizza can be made healthy at home by adding lots of vegetables to the topping and using fresh cheeses instead of store-bought sauces
  • Replace French Fries with baked potatoes
  • Use healthy cooking oils
  • Use fruits and vegetables of different colors to make food look more palatable
  • Use whole-grain bread to make sandwiches and wraps
  • Whenever possible, include the kids in the process of making their food so as to make healthy eating more fun

While occasional treats of store-bought food in moderation is acceptable, it should not become a habit. Regular snacks need to be low-fat and low-sugar and as far as possible, natural. Some examples of easy-to-prepare snacks that are 100 calories or less are:

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  • A medium-size apple
  • A medium-size banana
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 1 cup carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. hummus
  • Assortment of boiled and lightly sautéed pulses
  • Salad made of sprouts

No matter how busy their schedule, moderate-intensity physical exercise of at least 60 minutes most days of the week, and every day if possible, either in form of sports, dance, aerobics or other activities should be a part of their daily lives. Exercising regularly has the following benefits:

  • Strengthens bones
  • Maintains normal blood pressure
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Helps increase self-esteem
  • Produces chemicals called endorphins in the body that give a sense of happiness
  • Helps kids stay active and alert both physically and mentally
  • And of course, helps with weight management
  • A scheduled time spent in exercising also reduces sedentary ‘screen time’ (TV, video games, Internet) that seems to be a huge problem of the generation.
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Starting a new habit can be difficult but you could lead the way for your children. Add physical activity to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you. Here are some types of physical activities to start with:

  • Brisk walking
  • Jogging
  • Playing tag
  • Jumping rope
  • Swimming
  • Dancing
  • Playing soccer or any other sport involving a lot of physical movement

Health is a habit and the habits learned in childhood are the ones that last the longest. So make sure your child takes the correct route early on in life so as to ensure a better future, just like everything else.

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