7 Foods We Often Give Our Children That Can Be Harmful
Oct 17, 2018
Children often eat foods that are filled with sugar. Over time, this can reduce the sensitivity in their taste buds so they dislike foods that have less sugar. In addition, some of these foods can be harmful to the child's health.
If you want your child to grow up to be a healthy, happy adult, there are a few foods that you should avoid.
1. Juice
Many children love drinking juice. They love the bright colors and the sugary taste.
Unfortunately, the average cup of juice is packed with five to six teaspoons of sugar.
Because it is in a liquid form, this sugar is immediately absorbed into the blood stream.
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Give them this instead:
Instead of consuming fruit through juice, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children just eat fruit.
The added fiber in fruit helps the sugar absorb slower. It also helps the child to feel fuller for longer.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt might sound healthy, but there are many unhealthy variations out there.
Many of the yogurts that have the most attractive, kid-friendly packages are terrible for your child's health.
If the yogurt is stored on an open shelf instead of in the fridge, you can be certain that it is unhealthy.
Give them this instead:
Look for yogurts that are low in sugar. Try to find options that are made from natural ingredients.
Yogurt can be a healthy part of your child's diet, but the wrong yogurts increase the incidence of obesity and diabetes.
3. Cereal
When you are in a rush, cereal seems like the easiest option for breakfast. While some cereals look like they are healthy, they actually contain a ridiculous amount of sugar. The cereals are so processed that all of the healthy nutrients and fiber are removed. Instead, you end up with just refined carbohydrates and sugar.
Give them this instead:
When you only eat cereal, it is hard to feel truly full. Within just a few hours, your child will be hungry again. Instead of cereal, try giving your child oatmeal with nuts and fruit.
4. Honey
Doctors do not recommend honey for small children. If the child is younger than two years old, they could have an allergic reaction to eating honey. In addition, a certain bacteria in honey can cause an infection known as botulism.
5. Grapes
When it comes to their health, grapes are a great choice for children. They are full of the vitamins and minerals that children need. The only problem is that they are too large and slippery for small children. Little kids can easily choke on them. In addition, their digestive tract does not process grapes properly.
Give them this instead:
Instead of giving your toddler grapes, give them bananas!
6. Multivitamins
Vitamins are absolutely unnecessary when a child eats a healthy diet. The best way to make sure your child gets the nutrients they need is by feeding them a healthy, balanced diet. If you are going to give your child a multivitamin, talk to your doctor first.
They might come in bright, animal shapes, but this does not make them safe for your child. Never give your child vitamins without your doctor's approval.
7. Milkshakes
It might seem like milkshakes are healthier than soda because of the milk, but this is not the case. They are actually loaded with fat and sugar. Recent studies indicate that drinking just one milkshake may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Skip the milkshake if you want your child to be healthy.
Were you surprised by any of the foods on this list? Let us know what you think and make sure to find out what your friends think about this article.
Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!