From fruit juice to flavored yogurt: 6 foods with hidden sugars that can harm your child's health | Health

Bournvita and similar drinks have been under scrutiny since the Commerce Department asked them to remove them from the health drinks category. There are also a variety of processed and processed beverages that are advertised as nutritious products, such as breakfast cereals, granola bars, fruit juices, and flavored yogurt, but which may not be ideal for your child's snack or breakfast. Food is also in the spotlight. These seemingly harmless foods are loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and chemicals that can harm children and increase their risk of obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases. (Also read: Meet the influencers who forced Bornvita to cut sugar)

Experts advise including unprocessed alternatives to these foods. Homemade snacks made with whole grains, nuts and seeds, fruits, and other healthy ingredients can help make your child's diet healthier.

Sugary foods that affect your child's health

Dr Saurabh Khanna, Principal Consultant, Pediatrics and Neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, in an interview with HT Digital, shares six sneaky sources of sugar that can be harmful to children's health.

1. Breakfast cereal: Despite their eye-catching colors and attractive designs, many breakfast cereals marketed to young people contain large amounts of sugar. Read labels carefully and choose products with less added sugar or, even better, products made with whole grains.

2. Flavored yogurt: Despite its reputation as a nutritious snack, flavored yogurt can be very high in sugar. Fruit-flavored yogurts often contain extra sugar and should be avoided. Choose plain yogurt instead and add organic sweetness with fresh fruit.

3. Fruit juice: Fruit juices may seem healthy, but they may contain hidden sources of sugar. Naturally occurring sugars, even if it is 100% fruit juice, can lead to overdose if consumed in large quantities. Encourage eating whole fruits and limit juice intake.

4. Granola bars: Although advertised as a healthy snack, granola bars can contain large amounts of sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners. Choose foods that are homemade, carefully selected, and low in sweets and healthy ingredients.

5. Seasonings: Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and other condiments often have large amounts of added sugar. Look for products that highlight natural ingredients on their product labels, or consider preparing healthier alternatives at home.

6. Packaged food: Many packaged foods for children, such as fruit snacks, crackers, and certain flavored snacks, contain disguised sugar. Take the time to read labels and choose foods with the most natural ingredients and the least amount of added sugar.

Promote a low-sugar, nutritious diet to maintain your child's overall health and prevent chronic diseases that can shorten their lifespan and quality.