Should we give sweet drinks to children?Image Credit source: Getty Images
Nowadays most children like to drink sweet drinks. Colorful soft drinks, flavored juices, sports drinks and other sweet drinks easily attract children. Many times parents consider these to be normal drinks and give them to their children. However, these drinks which taste good are not always good for health. The habit of drinking these regularly can have a bad effect on the health of children.
Sweet drinks often contain high amounts of sugar i.e. added sugar and calories Whereas these contain very little or no nutrients necessary for the body. Flavors, colors and other additives are also added to some drinks. Drinking such drinks in large quantities can upset the balance of children’s daily diet and they start eating less nutritious things. Therefore, before including sweet drinks in the diet of children, it is important to have correct information about them. Let us know how sweet drinks can affect the health of children and what are the better options for them.
What effect can sweet drinks have on children’s health?
MedlinePlus According to, excess sugar and calories present in sweet drinks can harm the health of children. Consuming them excessively can increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. Such drinks can also cause cavities in teeth, because the sugar present in them has a long-term effect on the teeth. Many times, children drink less milk, water or other nutritious drinks after drinking sweet drinks, due to which they do not get the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantity.
Due to this, the balance of their daily diet can also get disturbed. Some sweet drinks also contain caffeine, which is not considered good for children. Therefore, instead of giving such drinks to children to quench their thirst, it is better to choose healthy options. Even if sweet drinks are given, limit their quantity and do not let them become a daily habit.
What is the better option to feed children?
The best drink for children is plain water, as it helps in keeping the body hydrated. Apart from this, plain milk is also a good option according to age, which provides calcium, protein and other essential nutrients. If you have to give juice, then give 100% fruit juice only in limited quantity. Make it a habit for children to drink water first when they feel thirsty.
Homemade sugar-free drinks can also be a better option. At the same time, avoid giving soft drinks, flavored drinks and drinks with high sugar content daily. With this, the diet of children will remain balanced and they will also be able to get the necessary nutrition.
