“If we look for the definition of candy in the RAE, it tells us that it is a delicately sweet delicacy that serves more for taste than for sustenance. This is telling us about the occasional consumption that you have to have of this type of food. If we think about which ones are the least harmful for children, we would have to think about those that are based on some vanilla or chocolate dough, with added dulce de leche, which could be alfajor or cookies. It would be more appropriate based on some oat flour or legumes, the worst are those that contain only sugar such as candies, lollipops or marshmallows, due to their high sugar content and colorings”, explains the expert nutritionist Candela Lepera.
An unhealthy temptation, it’s the definition of sweet treats around the world. Its pleasant flavor, its sweet texture, its attractive colors and tasty aroma they make many sweets, caramels and sprinkles, irresistible to anyone, of all ages. However, the child age sector is the one that must be taken into account, due to their body development.
On this point, the nutritionist details: “The excessive consumption of sweets refers us to the appearance of cavities and the fact of having more restless children, since sugar stimulates them much more. If we think in the long term, it can tell us about the increase and the need to consume sweeter preparations. And also, in the longer term still, the appearance of non-communicable chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. In quantities, and sustained over time, the consumption of sweets can bring excess weight and this chains all these types of pathologies.
Among the suggestions for the consumption of this type of product, it is recommended avoid eating them at night, since its excess sugar causes more stimuli of activity and this impairs rest. In addition, it is important to evaluate the sugar content of each candy that is purchased, because it affects both the teeth and the calories it generates when digesting disproportionately.
The sweets that must be avoided are those that contain the logo of excess sugars or excess fats. “It is essential to avoid all that are candies, lollipops, gummies, which have a significant contribution of available sugar. When we talk about chocolates and their derivatives, it is relevant to observe their quality. Many of the products in the kiosks, instead of being chocolates, are derived from cocoa butter with excess fat”, Lepera points out.
However, There are sweets that are recommended for nutritional consumption, depending on the patient and the daily activity performed. The nutritionist mentions: “The patients who are athletes I send them to eat the gummies in front of intense training or double shifts. Of course, evaluating your health situation and your energy needs. But in the case of children, consumption should be in moderation and not every day. This is how we prevent the very high rates of overweight in Argentina, around 40 percent of the boys have this factor”.
In schools, especially at recess, it is important to know what “candy-style” snack can be implemented in children. Options can be: truffles, made with cut cookies mixed with dulce de leche, vanilla or apple muffins, homemade tangerine cakes, cheese sticks and oatmeal cookies. It is valuable that snacks are accompanied by a dairy drink, such as milk or yogurt. It is also crucial to consume fruit and a bottle of water to maintain hydration.
by RN
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