Sweet Treats for Your Kids: Safe Products and Doses
Kids are crazy about sweet treats and nothing may make them happier than savoring biscuits and candies. If they were allowed to eat all the sweet things they can find in a house, they would do that without any hesitation. That is exactly why this fact cannot but puzzles parents nowadays. Thus, responsible parents are interested in finding out what sweet products are good for their kids.
Do Kids Really Need Sugar?
Do kids need sweet products or is it just a mere whim? Experts have found out that sugar, which is contained in candies and other confectionery items, is an important source of carbohydrates. There are two types of these nutrients, namely simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, such as dextrose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose are contained in honey, fruits, and sweet products. Complex carbohydrates are contained in vegetables, bread, cereals, and other products. They affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helping the body to get rid of cholesterol and other harmful substances.
Doctors across the globe underline that the growing organism of a child needs carbohydrates to produce energy and get vitamins and microelements. However, a kid’s body does not require sugar from the most popular sweet products. The fact that it is rich in calories does not contribute to the development of a child’s organism but may affect well-being and even lead to an increase in weight. The smart approach to a kid's diet can bring positive effects and ensure well-being.
When Should a Child Start Eating Sweet Products?
Experts admit that kids should not eat sugar until they turn one year old. As they grow up, the amount of sugar in their daily diet may be increased. Thus, kids from 1 to 3 years old can consume 25 g of sugar daily, while kids from 3 and up to 6 years old can consume about 30 g of the product.
Thus, kids may be offered different sweet products, including natural jams, marshmallows, fruit candy, marmalade, and pastille. Kids above 3 years of age may safely eat cakes, muffins, and cookies without cream or with light cream. You can also offer them ice cream. It is not recommended to offer your child chocolate until 3 years old. It can trigger an allergic reaction and undesirable digestive issues. Kids who are older than 3 years can safely eat white or milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is generally introduced later.
Speaking about candies, caramels, and chewing marshmallows, the kids of 4 years of age can safely enjoy these product types. For younger kids, they may trigger a choking hazard.
What About Honey?
Honey is recommended for kids older than 3 years old, but only if they are not subjected to allergic reactions. Honey is a naturally sweet product, rich in vitamins and nutrients, which has a positive effect on all the systems of the human organism. The product improves the immune system, activates the functioning of the digestive system, and even helps the organism resist the negative effects of the viruses. This product can be consumed on a regular basis, but you should still watch the reaction of your kid’s organism to it.
Safe and Healthy Kids' Sweets
Children's sweet choices should be healthy ones including whole-grain muffins, yogurt-covered delights, and fruit-based snacks. These substitutes provide more minerals, vitamins, and fiber and less added sugars. Apples and berries are among the great fresh fruits. They provide natural sugars and important elements. Made-from-scratch sweets may also be a terrific method to manage the ingredients and cut sugar levels so that kids enjoy tasty but healthy treats.
Advice on Promoting Better Eating Behaves
First, make these selections interesting and engaging to inspire kids to consume better sweets. Engage them in choosing fruits or baked goods so they may become more enthusiastic about consuming these options. Create aesthetically pleasing snacks with bright fruits and natural sweeteners. Choosing healthier treats for yourself will also help you to set a good example for your youngster. Limit the availability of sugary foods at home to inspire kids to seek better alternatives. Progressively cutting the sugar intake in their diet would enable them to adapt to reduced sweet levels without feeling deprived.
