Best and worst drinks for your children's health

Children have lesser immunity and strength compared to us and it is necessary to be careful about what they consume as it has a significant impact on their growth, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Here is a list of best and worst drinks for children:

Best drinks

Water and plain milk are the ideal and best drinks for children. If the child is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, you can consult with a pediatrician to choose a milk substitute.

Water

Water is an essential drink for children as it keeps them hydrated without any added sugar or calories.

Milk

Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and Vitamin D which helps in bone development and growth of children. Milk substitutes like almond milk and oats milk are also good alternatives if the child is lactose intolerant.

Fresh juice

100% fruit juice without added sugar is a healthy option for kids. However, it still has high natural sugar content and should be considered to be taken in very small quantities. Fruit juices are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them nourishing and hydrating.

Herbal tea

Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint are good for the children's health if served warm without any additional sweeteners.

Worst drinks

Worst drinks for children include juices with high sugar content and those that contain caffeine as it causes tooth decay, obesity, and spikes blood sugar levels leading to diabetes.

Flavored Sodas

They have high sugar content which is harmful to children if consumed frequently. It is not suitable for children as it leads to a lot of health issues.

Energy drinks

They contain caffeine and certain drinks also have stimulants that are harmful to the body. It can also disrupt the sleep cycle of the children as it triggers an energy outburst.

Sports drinks

They are promoted as healthy, but they contain unusual levels of sugar and artificial colour. It is only suitable for children if they are engaged in intense and heavy exercises.

Flavored milks

They are not a healthy option for kids as they contain high amounts of added sugar and flavors that cause obesity.
Plain milk must be preferred.

Sparkling water

It is a better choice than soda as it has zero calories and no artificial sweeteners. However, flavored seltzers are not a good drink to give to children.