How do most mothers convince their kids to drink milk to make them healthy and strong? They are forced to add flavoured, ‘healthy’ malt beverage powders (often chocolate flavoured) to regular milk to make it tasty for children. However, a social media influencer recently called out one of the biggest players in the health drink industry over the excess sugar content in these malted beverages. The spotlight is now on these products as they could be one of the main reasons behind childhood obesity and early onset of type 2 diabetes in young adults across the world.
Sugar addiction and childhood obesity
According to news reports, the parent company of the malt drink has issued a rebuttal citing that their product adheres to health regulatory approvals.
According to Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital any health drink label containing sugar more than 5 gms per serving isn’t recommended as a healthy drink to consume. She explains processed sugar is not a necessity but more like a flavour enhancer which people get addicted to over years of consumption.
Biswas also says that it is best not to introduce processed sugar to children when they can experience the goodness of natural sugars from fruits.
“Once they develop a taste for sweet drinks it is difficult to dissuade them from having those, especially during the summers. Such habits may lead to metabolic disorders later in life,” she adds.
Harmful mix of sedentary lifestyle and high sugar intake
Experts also point out that a sedentary lifestyle combined with high sugar intake was the main reason for the obesity boom in most countries, especially India. Mumbai based nutritionist Nidhi Joshi says excess sugar intake is responsible for health issues like obesity, diabetes and blood pressure in children.
Biswas says that children should not be introduced to health drinks unless the child is really underweight and it is the last resort. “Even then parents should not pick the readily available health drink powders off the shelf but go for the medically made supplements or formulas under doctor’s recommendation,” says Biswas.
Nuts, seeds and fruits instead of artificial drinks
According to Joshi, parents should stick to milk shakes or curd-based smoothies teamed with natural ingredients for children’s health. They also develop a taste for natural ingredients.
If parents want them to enjoy milk with some flavouring, they can incorporate nuts and seeds with fruits like mangoes, strawberries or bananas which can be blended with milk. “If needed, a little sugar can be added but not too much,” says Joshi.
Avocado or butter fruit is another healthy option as it has good cholesterol and is rich in antioxidants.
“Incorporating chia seeds, which have a gelatin like texture, in the drinks not only makes it fun for the kids but also enhances the nutritional value of the drink,” explains Biswas.
Joshi explains that chia seeds are a good source of Omega -3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin K, calcium, Vitamin B 6 and zinc. “All these nutrients enhance growth, eyesight, brain development and immune functions. However, it shouldn’t exceed 1 tsp per day,” explains Joshi.
You can also make healthy drinks like lassi (curd blended with water) or buttermilk for children. They are rich in calcium and also good for their gut health. Lemon juice is another such thirst quencher for children which they enjoy for its sweet and tangy flavour.
Healthy homemade drinks for kids
As per the World Obesity Atlas 2022, India is predicted to have at least 27 million children with obesity by the year 2030. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of childhood obesity (2 – 19 years old) in the US is 19.7 percent in 2020 and affected 14.7 million children and adolescents.
Takeaways
Childhood obesity is a global concern and parents have to inculcate healthy dietary habits in children. Parents should ensure that they don’t consume food with high sugar content and try to make them eat natural food as much as possible to cut down the sugar and refined carb intake.
