We are all naturally drawn to sugar and it is addictive. Our first milk as babies is sweet (due to the lactose content) and that sweet tooth appears to develop further as we grow. However, it can have a hugely negative impact on our health and is something to be avoided as much as possible.
Sugar can have an inflammatory effect on the body, as well as weakening the immune system and exacerbating existing conditions such as eczema. Recent studies show that fructose, in any form but particularly in liquid form (i.e fruit juices) can have a detrimental effect on our general health, and in particular affecting our liver and increasing the risk of obesity.
Refined sugar is found in all processed food so it is best to avoid all kind of processed foods where possible. When you cook at home you are able to keep a check on the amount of sugar being used, and use healthier alternatives where possible. Refined sugar is devoid of all nutrients, and it actually requires nutrients for its metabolism and will therefore rob them from your child’s body.
It is possible to greatly reduce your child’s intake of sugar by swapping all white products such as pasta, bread and rice to brown/wholegrain varieties. This will also boost nutrient intake such as B vitamins and fibre.
Most commercial baby food manufacturers use sugar in their ranges, in yogurts, etc. It is worth bearing in mind that ingredients are listed in order of the levels they appear. For example, if sugar (or one of its hidden names) appears first, second or third on the list it is certainly something worth avoiding! Sugar can, of course, appear under other names so be sure to look out for this. 4g of sugar equals about 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Hidden Sugars to Look Out For
Sucrose, glucose, glucose syrup, maltose, dextrose, inverted sugar syrup, glucose, golden syrup, lactose, corn syrup, hydrolysed starch, fructose, concentrated fruit juice.
If your child is to eat food containing sugar, be sure to help reduce its impact by increasing the protein and fibre content to help slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream. A small piece of birthday cake, or on special occasions, is perfectly acceptable.