Cookies and biscuits are one of the most loved anytime snack delights, which are loved by both kids and adults.
In fact, kids love relishing cookies and biscuits loaded with chocolates, sugar and cream, but are these actually healthy for kids?
And why do health experts suggest avoiding giving biscuits and cookies to kids? Read on to find out…
1. High sugar content
Both biscuits and cookies are made with high amounts of refined sugars, which can silently add on to the calories and lead to weight gain, trigger dental issues and may increase risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes at an early age.
2. Low nutritional value
As much as the kids love their favourite cookies and biscuits, the harsh reality is that they are only consuming high calories and low nutrition. Yes, no matter how much these packaged delights claim, there’s only a small amount of processed fiber with added refined sugar and preservatives, which may lead to deficiencies. Another reason why cookies and biscuits are not good for health is because of their lack of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which may often provide satiety by replacing other nutrient-dense options from the child’s diet.
3. Highly processed
Many biscuits and cookies are made with refined flour, saturated fats, artificial flavors, colors, sodium and preservatives, which make these on-the-go munchies. Regular consumption of processed foods may have adverse effects on a child’s health, including digestive issues and inflammation.
4. Empty calories
Both biscuits and cookies are often considered as empty calorie foods, which means they provide instant energy, but have low nutritional value. This is why most biscuits and cookies are low in essential nutrients like vitamins, fiber or minerals, which may lead to imbalance in diets and poor overall health.
5. Addictive nature
The combination of sugar, fat, and salt in biscuits and cookies can trigger addictive eating patterns, which may lead to a tendency of compulsive eating or overeating. This overindulgence may lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight-related issues in children.