5 common foods that are silently harming children

When it comes to the health of children, every parent wants the best. Diet plays an important role in shaping a child’s future.

The right nutrition can prevent the diseases they are at risk of developing in the future. There is no doubt that parents do their best to provide nutritious food to their children.

However, some of the foods you consider harmless, or even healthy, might be silently working against that goal.

Yes, some occasional indulgences, which hide beneath the surface of colourful packaging and catchy marketing, might actually be putting your child’s health at risk.

Here is a list of five foods that may be silently causing havoc on your child’s health. Take a look.

Yes, breakfast cereals are convenient, especially if you have a packed schedule. But is that convenience coming at the cost of your child’s health? Those brightly coloured and sweet cereals are doing more harm than good. A single serving of some cereals contains more sugar than a dessert, which contributes to weight gain and energy crashes. The added colors also disrupt gut health.

Sugary drinks, on the other hand, are nothing but empty calories. The sodas and artificial sweeteners have no nutritional benefits.

Simple changes, such as swapping the flashy breakfast cereals with whole-grain cereal, can help. Instead of sugary beverages, encourage children to drink homemade lime drinks.

Yogurts have gained a newly-found stardom today. From fitness influencers to wellness gurus, almost everyone is talking about the numerous health benefits of yogurt. Flavoured varieties, which are often marketed as healthy, due to their protein content, however, may have uninvited guests – added sugars and artificial dyes. As it is often advertised as a healthy option, parents tend to give more than the recommended serving sizes. Excessive sugar intake in children is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental issues.

Instead of sugar-loaded flavoured yogurts, opt for plain unsweetened Greek yogurt. To add a dash of sweetness use some honey, and loads of berries.

All of us love popcorn. Children also enjoy eating popcorn. However, these store-bought popcorns contain more than corn. They have substances that can wreak havoc on the body. Many brands contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals’, in their bag linings. Studies have linked PFAS to developmental issues and immune system harm.

Also, the buttery flavour of the popcorn comes from flavouring chemicals such as diacety land its substitute, 2,3-pentanedione (acetyl propionyl). These chemicals are health hazards. They can cause respiratory problems when inhaled in large amounts.

Well, that doesn’t mean you avoid giving your kids popcorn altogether. Instead of store-bought ready-to-cook popcorn packets, opt for organic plain kernels and make them at home. It will surely consume more time, but it will remove all the health risks.

Processed meats are not a healthy option for adults, let alone kids. Those hot dogs, deli meats, and sausages are often kids’ lunchbox staples. But they are loaded with additives such as sodium, nitrates, and preservatives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen. Regular consumption of these processed meats is linked to colorectal cancer. High sodium levels also raise concerns about blood pressure in children.

Swap processed meats for fresh options like grilled chicken or plant-based proteins.

Children indeed love all things fried. However, all those deep-fried nuggets, fries, and mozzarella sticks are not good for their overall health. These fried foods often contain trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol levels and increase heart disease risk, even in children. Frying makes the food calorie-dense and also reduces its nutritional value. Also store store-bought chicken nuggets, fries, and other such ready-to-cook snacks have additives. If kids love fried foods, try baking or air-frying them with fresh ingredients.