Morning rush? These kids’ breakfast cereals are LOADED with sugar
Sugar shocker: A case study into South Africa’s breakfast cereals with the highest sugar content has yielded alarming results, particularly for children…
Business Insider has conducted a study into South Africa’s breakfast cereals with the highest sugar content — and the results will alarm you!
A startling number of cereals marketed towards children have been found to contain more than a quarter of it’s ingredients in refined sugar.
And what’s more alarming is that the sugar-laden products are branded as “healthy”.
MAKING FALSE CLAIMS
According to Business Insider, the top 10 breakfast cereals with the highest sugar content are as follows…
- Bokomo Otees Originals Creme Soda – 34.2
- Kellogg’s Strawberry Pops – 33.1
- Kellogg’s Coco Pops – 33.1
- Bokomo Weet-Bix Bites Chocolate – 31.7
- Bokomo Weet-Bix Bites Honey – 31.4
- Kellogg’s Coco Pops Fills – 28.9
- Bokomo Otees Originals Apple – 28.4
- Kellogg’s Froot Loops – 28
- Kellogg’s Coco Pops Crunchers Chocolate – 27
- Bokomo ProNutro Pro-Light – 25.8
* Sugar content per 100 grams *
And with many of the products mentioned above, they create a false impression with their branding.
Business Insider reports: “Most leading cereal brands for sale in this country continue to advertise the inclusion of vitamins, minerals, iron, multigrain, fibre, or even probiotics. Some leave the interpretation of common phrases like “high in”, “source of”, and simply “with” up to the consumer.
“Others, like several Kellogg’s cereals, make a direct claim that some of their breakfast cereals may aid with “growth” and “development”.
“Although most breakfast cereals on supermarket shelves do contain some vitamins, minerals, healthy grains, or fibre, most also have high amounts of sugar.
Also read: Hard to swallow: Hot dogs may be taking big bites out of your life
WHAT EFFECTS DOES SUGAR HAVE ON YOUR CHILD?
According to exports, eating certain sugars in excess can have an adverse effect on your child.
Here are a few effects of a sugar-laden diet…
Concentration problems and hyperactivity
Foods high in refined sugar are claimed to exacerbate hyperactivity and increase aggressive behavior, PubMed reports.
Obesity and chronic health problems
Henry Ford Livewell blog states: “In excess, sugar can lead to obesity, which puts a child at risk for developing high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and type 2 diabetes (where the body’s response to insulin is not regulated).
“Rapid increases and decreases in blood sugar can lead to mood changes and even depression. Overweight and obesity are also associated with bone and joint problems and some forms of cancer”
Other chronic illnesses linked to too much sugar include heart disease and a fatty liver disease.
A weakened immune system
Regular large doses of sugar result in a compromised immune system. “This means that a process called phagocytosis – where the immune cells gobble up bugs – will be suppressed. So when they are exposed to viruses or bacteria at school, they’re much more likely to get sick,” says naturopath Jessica Donovan.
Causes cavities and weakens eyesight
It’s a no-brainer that too much sugar causes cavities and tooth decay. But did you know that sugar can affect your eye health?
“Although sweet treats may look appealing, they can have a devastating and long lasting impact on the eyes and vision. High blood sugar levels are a strong risk factor resulting in several sight-threatening eye diseases, “ says optometrist Russel Lazarus
