Sugar Dangerous on children – U.S. Department of Agriculture – It is too interesting why sugars are being limited on children. What sugar really is and why is it bad? What are the good and bad effects of sugar? How does it affect the overall wellness or health of your kids, teens, and even adults?
For the first time, added sugars will be limited in school meals nationwide, with small changes happening by fall 2025 and full implementation by fall 2027.
USDA heard concerns from parents and teachers about excessive amounts of added sugars in some foods, which factored into this new limit. Research shows that these added sugars are most commonly found in typical school breakfast items. Childcare operators will also begin limiting added sugars in cereals and yogurts – rather than total sugars – by fall 2025. – NJSBA
What is sugar?
The first thing that comes in our minds is that sugar is sweet. Sugar gets its sweetness from its unique molecular structure, specifically the arrangement of hydroxyl groups on its atoms.
The white stuff we know as sugar is sucrose, a molecule composed of 12 atoms of carbon, 22 atoms of hydrogen, and 11 atoms of oxygen (C12H22O11). Like all compounds made from these three elements, sugar is a carbohydrate. – Exploratorium
Honestly, sugar is not bad, but TOO MUCH OF SUGAR IS! The question is how much is too much?
Under 2 Years: Avoid all added sugars; focus on breast milk/formula and whole foods. Ages 2-3: No more than 14g (3.5 tsp) of free sugar daily. Ages 4-6: No more than 19g (5 tsp) of free sugar daily. Ages 7-10: No more than 24g (6 tsp) of free sugar daily. Ages 11+: No more than 30g (7 tsp) of free sugar daily (same as adults). – American Academy of Pediatrics
Sugar came from the Sanskrit word śarkarā (शर्करा), meaning “grit” or “gravel,” reflecting the crystalline texture of early sugar produced in India. This word traveled through Persian (shakar) and Arabic (sukkar) to Medieval Latin (succarum) and then into Old French (sucre), eventually becoming the English “sugar” by the late 13th century. – ETYMONLINE
Now, given the definition and the right quantity of sugar, is it really bad? YES AND NO!
Sugar provides the body with energy (glucose), essential for brain and cell function. Basically, it is a good source of energy.
When you take too much sugar you will gain weight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and tooth decay, by causing inflammation, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. It also negatively impacts brain function, energy levels, mood (causing anxiety, fatigue), skin, immune system, and gut health, and can create a cycle of cravings. – Harvard Health Publishing
AGAIN, TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING IS NOT GOOD!
Dangers of too much sugar
Type 2 Diabetes, obesity & metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease (NAFLD), heart disease, high blood pressure, tooth decay (Cavities), kidney disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline & depression, inflammation and more are some of the diseases your children can get from excessive sugar intake.
Frankly there are still more diseases you will get from excessive sugar intake.
There are signs or symptoms of high sugar level such as increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds, among others.
TIPS AND WARNINGS:
- Too much sugar is bad for your children!
- Stay away from fast food restaurant serving sugary foods.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out excess sugar.
- Go to any urgent care nearby if you want to test your sugar levels.
- Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
- World Health Organization released a warning about excessive sugar.
- Exercise or being active soon after eating will also lower your blood sugar.