Excess sugar in a child’s diet: a hidden health threat

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In the modern world, where sweets and carbonated drinks have become an integral part of children's diets, the question of the dangers of excess sugar consumption is increasingly being raised. Experts are sounding the alarm, pointing to a number of serious consequences for children's health.

One of the most obvious problems is the development of dental caries. After drinking sugary drinks and sweets, sugar residues remain in the mouth for a long time, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. These microorganisms produce acid that destroys tooth enamel, leading to the formation of caries.

An equally serious problem is weight gain. While sweets themselves are not a direct cause of obesity, research shows that people who regularly drink sweetened drinks gain more weight. This is due to excess calorie consumption with insufficient physical activity.

Excess sugar can also indirectly affect the cardiovascular system. Some sugary drinks contain caffeine, which affects the nervous system and can cause heart palpitations. In the long term, this can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Of particular concern is the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eating too much sweets can cause resistance to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. With a constant supply of large amounts of sugar, the pancreas works to its limit, which leads to a sharp increase in insulin levels in the blood.

Given these risks, experts urge parents to teach their children healthy eating habits early in life. It is recommended to give sweets only after the main meal, give preference to fruits, dried fruits and nuts instead of candy, and drink carbonated drinks only occasionally.

It is important to remember that 100 ml of sweet soda can contain from 6 to 12 teaspoons of sugar, which is significantly more than the recommended amount.

In addition, experts advise completely eliminating added sugar from food and drinks for children under three years of age. For children 3-10 years old, the recommended intake is no more than 3 teaspoons per day, and for children and adolescents from 10 to 18 years old - no more than 6 teaspoons.

Forming good eating habits from childhood is the key to a healthy future for our children. Limiting sugar intake will not only help avoid serious health problems, but will also teach children to appreciate the natural taste of foods, which in the long run will have a positive impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.

Resource: woman.rambler.ru

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