Children enjoy consuming ultra-processed foods such as soda, ice cream, fast food, and instant noodles. However, these types of foods can have long-term negative effects on their health.
A recent study suggests that the “ultra-processed foods” (convenience products, fast food) that children are consuming may increase their risk of developing various cardiovascular issues later in life, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Stuart Berger, a pediatric cardiologist and the head of the Cardiology Department at the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated: “One of the most important things we need to understand is that diseases stem from behaviors established in childhood, which can have consequences in adulthood.”
This study, recently published in the scientific news outlet JAMA Network Open, analyzed data collected from over 1,400 children aged 3 to 6. The children were selected from schools in seven cities across Spain. According to the research, caregivers of the children directly met with the research team and completed demographic questionnaires about physical activities and the food consumed at home over three years (from 2019 to 2022).
American children, in particular, consume a lot of ultra-processed foods. (Source: CNN).
Scientists divided the collected data into three groups based on the amount of ultra-processed food consumed by the children. The study found that the group consuming the most ultra-processed foods is more likely to have higher risk factors, such as greater body mass index, high blood pressure, and larger waist circumference compared to their peers.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), ultra-processed foods are those containing ingredients that are not typically used or are rarely used in home cooking. These may also be foods that have added additives that enhance the taste or appeal of the final product.
Such ingredients and additives are commonly found in sodas, potato chips, soup packets in instant noodles, or ice cream. They may contain preservatives to prevent mold or bacteria, artificial colors, emulsifiers to prevent separation, or simply various sugars, salts, and fats to make food more appealing.
Compared to the global average, Americans consume a significant amount of ultra-processed foods. In a study published in early May this year, scientists found that even among Americans who consume the least ultra-processed foods, the average intake was three servings per day. The highest consumers had up to seven servings a day.
Dr. Berger noted that many studies have shown the negative impacts of ultra-processed foods on adult health. However, the latest research is the first to demonstrate the long-lasting effects of these foods on individuals, from childhood to adulthood.
Berger further mentioned that the new study is primarily observational, meaning that while researchers could identify a relationship between the amount of ultra-processed food consumed by children and their health, they could not draw definitive conclusions about this relationship.
Nonetheless, it is important for the study to remind us to manage the amount of ultra-processed foods children consume, as it could influence their future lives.
Berger pointed out that altering a child’s diet, steering them away from ultra-processed foods towards more natural options, is easier to implement when they are young.
The issue is that avoiding ultra-processed foods is not easy for everyone. The study revealed that children who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods often have younger mothers who are themselves overweight, have lower education levels, and are in lower employment statuses.
Moreover, in areas with limited access to fresh produce, ultra-processed foods become a much easier and cheaper option. These foods are incredibly convenient, making them appealing for consumption. Additionally, because ultra-processed foods are packed with various chemicals, flavorings, seasonings, sugars, and salts, they can also be quite “addictive” for consumers.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiology expert at National Jewish Health in Denver, emphasized that feeding children ultra-processed foods without providing fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to many issues as they grow older.
Dr. Berger also believes that incorporating nutrient-rich foods and increasing physical activity are two crucial factors for children. “If we can do something early on to create a healthy lifestyle, you will likely eliminate all diseases caused by metabolic issues that may arise later in life, such as diabetes, obesity, and complications related to diabetes or obesity,” Berger said.
Instant noodles often contain noodles and seasoning packets, with high sodium and saturated fat content – (Photo: Study Finds).
Ultra-processed foods tend to be high in sugar and salt and are made from ingredients that “we typically don’t find in the kitchen,” Jinan Banna, a nutrition expert and professor of nutrition at the University of Hawaii, shared. If one had to choose the most harmful ultra-processed food to avoid, Banna said it would be instant noodles. “I typically don’t eat instant noodles. If I crave noodles, I’ll cook my own.” Banna noted that instant noodles often contain noodles and seasoning packets, with high sodium and saturated fat content. They are also often low in fiber. “Overall, I do not consider instant noodles a healthy food,” she stated. According to Banna, foods high in sodium or saturated fat can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease. “Of course, we need a little sodium. But consuming too much is the issue.” When discussing sodium and saturated fat content, a good way to evaluate whether a product has low or high levels of these nutrients is to use the 5/20 rule. This means that if the daily value of a product is 5% or less, it is low in that nutrient. If the number is 20% or more, it indicates that the sodium and saturated fat levels are quite high. Banna suggests that you can also cook noodles at home, which generally have much less sodium and allows you to add vegetables and legumes for fiber. Most Americans do not consume enough fiber, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and weight. However, if instant noodles are one of your favorite foods, you can still enjoy them occasionally, as all foods can fit into your diet in moderation. |
