The American Heart Association recommends children consume no more than eight ounces of soda per week.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Added Sugar Limit: The American Heart Association suggests children limit their added sugar intake to a maximum of six teaspoons (100 calories) per day. Soda is a significant source of added sugar.
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Why Limit Soda?: Sodas are high in sugar and calories but offer little to no nutritional value. Excessive consumption can lead to:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Tooth decay
- Other health problems
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Alternative Beverages: Encourage healthier alternatives to soda, such as:
- Water (plain or infused with fruit)
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Sparkling water
- Diluted 100% fruit juice
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Reading Labels: When choosing beverages, carefully read the nutrition labels to check the sugar content. Be aware that sugar can be listed under various names, such as:
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Maltose
While some soda may seem harmless on occasion, limiting soda intake to the suggested eight ounces per week or less is crucial for maintaining a child's health and well-being. Prioritizing healthier beverages is always the best choice.