Long-term excess sugar consumption impacts more than just your child’s energy levels
Dietician Mbali Mapholi recommends parents pay more attention to food labels.
Sugar regulation. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
Tshidi Madia (standing in for 702’s Clement Manyathela) speaks with dietician Mbali Mapholi.
Listen below:
Excessive sugar intake can negatively affect a child’s brain and potentially lead to serious issues with focus, memory, and overall cognitive development.
It releases a surge of dopamine (feel-good chemicals) in their brains, making sugary foods very rewarding.
Regular consumption conditions their brains to want more sugar.
“It may also lead to blood sugar spikes… that can cause an impact in a child’s focus, attention span and their cognitive function.”
– Mbali Mapholi, dietician
Unfortunately added sugar is often hidden in many of the foods we opt for out of convenience.
Mapholi recommends parents focus more on fresh produce that provides the much-needed nutrients.
Five tips for reducing added sugar in your child’s diet:
- Replace sugary drinks
- Opt for Protein and fibre-rich snacks
- Pay more attention to food labels
- Take time to make more healthy treats
“On the food labeling, at the back, the nutritional label… look at the ‘added sugar’… a rule of thumb is that added sugar should be less than 15g per 100g.”
– Mbali Mapholi, dietician
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion