In order to commemorate Diabetes Day on November 14 and Children's Day on November 20, it is important to highlight the dangers associated with the consumption of packaged drinks and sweetened sodas and soda, especially for children. These drinks often contain harmful substances that can negatively affect the health of children.

Hazardous Substances in Packaged Beverages

Packaged beverages, especially soda and sugary drinks, often contain a variety of harmful substances. Some of them are:1,2

1. Artificial Sweeteners: Many packaged drinks use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. Although considered safe in certain amounts, excessive consumption can lead to health problems, including metabolic disorders.

2. Added Sugars: These drinks often contain high amounts of added sugar. Sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose can cause obesity and type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess.

3. Preservatives and Dyes: Some drinks contain artificial preservatives and dyes that can potentially cause allergic reactions or other health problems in children.

Negative Impact of Packaged Beverage Consumption

Consumption of packaged beverages and sodas that are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners can have various negative impacts, including:1,2,3,4

1. Obesity: Excessive artificial sweeteners can disrupt the body's appetite control and metabolism systems. It interferes with insulin production, causing hunger despite eating a lot. These low-calorie foods make the body feel malnourished, encourage cravings, and increase calorie intake.

2. Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive sugar consumption increases insulin production, which can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Diabetes is at risk of triggering serious complications such as blindness, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.

3. Tooth Decay: The sugar in these drinks can cause tooth decay and other oral health problems.

The Role of Parents in Reducing Risk

Parents have an important role in preventing the adverse effects of the consumption of packaged drinks and soda. Some steps that can be taken are:4

1. Education on Nutrition: Teach children about the importance of choosing healthy drinks. Provide knowledge about the difference between sugary drinks and healthier options, such as water or fruit juice without added sugar.

2. Limit Consumption of Sugary Drinks: Set limits for the consumption of packaged drinks and soda. Try not to provide these drinks at home, and encourage children to choose healthier drinks.

3. Offer Healthy Alternatives: Prepare healthy beverage alternatives at home, such as infused water, fresh fruit juices, or smoothies made from natural ingredients without added sugar.

4. Good Example: Be a good example by consuming healthy foods and drinks. Children tend to imitate their parents' behavior.

5. Reading Labels: Teach children to read nutrition labels on drinks and choose those that are low in sugar and without artificial sweeteners.

Getting to Know the Different Types of Sugar

In food and beverages, there are different types of sugars, including:4,5,6

1. Glucose: A simple sugar that is quickly absorbed by the body provides instant energy. However, excessive consumption can lead to blood sugar spikes.

2. Fructose: Found in fruits as well as often added in the form of corn syrup. Although it comes from natural sources, excessive consumption can contribute to obesity.

3. Sucrose: Also known as granulated sugar, it is a disaccharide of glucose and fructose. High sucrose consumption is associated with a risk of heart disease and diabetes.

4. Lactose: The sugar found in milk; for some lactose intolerant people, consumption can cause digestive problems.

5. Maltose: A disaccharide made up of two glucoses; known as malt sugar and found in cereals as well as some other foods.

Which is "Safe"?

In general, natural sugars found in fruit and milk are safer than added sugars found in packaged beverages and processed foods. However, it is important to keep an eye on the amount of sugar consumed, both natural and supplemental. Consuming moderate amounts of sugar and choosing healthier sources of sugar, such as fruits, can help maintain your child's health. Additionally, avoiding artificial sweeteners and sugary drinks that are high in calories is an important step to prevent future health risks. With the right awareness and action, we can protect children from the harm posed by the consumption of unhealthy packaged beverages and soda.1,2,3,4

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