The Sweet Truth
Does sugar cause hyperactivity? No. It is a myth originating in the 1970s when a doctor said a child's behavior improved when he cut sugar from their diet. There have been many studies regarding this phenomenon, and no results have shown that sugar causes hyperactivity. Research has shown that parents say their children are more hyper when they think they’ve eaten sugar. One study showed that parents said their children were overly active after drinking a drink with sugar; however, unknown to the parents, the drink was sugar free.
Guilty by Association?
Many parents believe children are hyper on their birthday because of sweets, but it could be from the excitement of the party and being with their friends. According to experts, the environment should be considered before hyperactivity and bad behavior are attributed to sweets consumption. Some studies suggest that serotonin is produced from eating sugar, and it creates a feeling of well-being.
Get Sugar Savvy
Aside from hyperactivity, added sugars in foods and beverages reduce a child's appetite for more nutrient-dense foods that they need to grow such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and protein. Sweets do not need to be cut from the diet completely, small amounts can teach moderation. When eating ice cream, for example, top it with fresh berries which satisfies the sweet tooth while also offering some nutrients.
No comments:
Post a Comment