Popular but harmful snacks
Summer is a time when students tend to have more erratic eating habits compared to the school year. The hot weather makes children thirsty, and they crave cold foods, fast food, and snacks with strong flavors like sweet, fatty, or spicy. Ice cream, fried sausages, sugary sodas, and super-sweet lemon tea therefore become familiar favorites for many students during summer vacation. However, from a nutritional perspective, these are foods that should be limited to avoid negatively impacting children's health, weight, and development.
In reality, most popular snacks today contain high amounts of sugar, saturated fat, salt, or food additives, but are poor in vitamins and minerals. When consumed regularly, especially in hot weather, children not only easily gain weight but also face the risk of digestive disorders, weakened immunity, and the formation of unhealthy eating habits.
These are snacks that students love but are not good for their health.
Ice cream is a favorite summer treat for many children due to its refreshing coolness and appealing sweetness. However, many commercially produced ice creams contain high amounts of sugar and fat. A single ice cream cone or large cup can provide 200–400 kcal, equivalent to a high-energy snack with very little nutritional value. If children eat ice cream regularly, especially in the evening or after a heavy meal, the excess energy can easily accumulate as fat, increasing the risk of overweight and obesity.
Furthermore, ice cream that is too cold can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat and respiratory tract. Children with sensitive constitutions are prone to sore throats, coughs, or throat pain after eating ice cream repeatedly. Some children may also experience stomach pain or indigestion if they eat ice cream on an empty stomach or immediately after being in the sun. Even more worrying is that many cheap, unbranded ice creams may contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that are not safe to consume.
Besides ice cream, fried sausages are also a very popular snack among students. These are processed foods containing high amounts of salt, saturated fat, and preservatives. When deep-fried at high temperatures, sausages absorb even more oil and fat, increasing the risk of dyslipidemia and weight gain if consumed regularly.
Numerous studies show that consuming too much processed food can negatively impact cardiovascular and metabolic health from a young age. For schoolchildren, eating a lot of fried sausages not only leads to excess energy but also reduces appetite at main meals. Children are more likely to "snack instead of eating," leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients from green vegetables, fruits, and fresh foods.
Another risk associated with fried sausages is food safety and hygiene. During the summer, high temperatures create favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply rapidly. If sausages are not stored properly or are repeatedly fried in old oil, children risk stomach aches, diarrhea, or food poisoning. Reused frying oil can also produce substances that are harmful to health.
Carbonated soft drinks are also a beverage to limit during the summer. Many students believe that soft drinks quench thirst faster than water, but in reality, the high sugar content in soft drinks can actually make the body even thirstier after drinking. A typical can of soft drink contains about 35–40g of sugar, nearly equal to or exceeding the recommended daily intake of free sugars for children.
Consuming too much soda not only increases the risk of obesity but also negatively impacts oral health. The acid and sugar in soda can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, the caffeine in some carbonated drinks can cause insomnia, restlessness, and reduced concentration in children.
Many children have a habit of drinking soft drinks instead of water during hot weather. This is a very unhealthy habit because soft drinks provide almost no essential vitamins or minerals for the body. Meanwhile, summer is the time when the body needs to replenish water and electrolytes properly to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
Beware of excessively sweet lemon tea.
Another drink that's gaining popularity among students is super-sweet lemon tea. In fact, many of the lemon teas sold in stores contain very high amounts of sugar, sometimes even more than soda. Besides sugar, this type of drink is often topped with flavored syrup, toppings, and lots of ice to make it more "refreshing."
Beware of those super-sweet lemon tea drinks.
Drinking too much super-sweet lemon tea can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, making children feel tired after drinking and increasing the risk of excess fat accumulation. Additionally, the acidity of lemon combined with sugar can damage tooth enamel if consumed regularly. Some types of tea also contain caffeine, which can cause children to have trouble sleeping or experience a rapid heartbeat if consumed in the evening.
In particular, street food and drinks in the summer always pose a risk of unsanitary conditions. Unclean ice cubes, ingredients stored outdoors in the heat for too long, or unsanitary processing equipment can increase the risk of intestinal infections in children. This is why summer is often the time when digestive diseases increase among schoolchildren.
However, this doesn't mean parents should completely ban their children's favorite snacks. The important thing is to help children understand and develop healthy eating habits. Students can still eat ice cream or drink lemonade, but it should be done in moderation, not every day. Parents should also guide children towards healthier choices such as fresh fruit, low-sugar yogurt, natural smoothies, or unsweetened juices.
Additionally, preparing homemade snacks such as pre-cut fruit, yogurt with oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, or homemade juice will help children reduce their reliance on fast food and processed drinks. This is also a way to ensure children receive essential vitamins, fiber, and nutrients during the summer.
Summer is a time when children need a lot of energy for playing, exercising, and developing. However, if their diet is uncontrolled, especially with foods high in sugar and fat, children are very susceptible to health problems from a young age.
Therefore, limiting ice cream, fried sausages, soft drinks, or super-sweet lemonade isn't about "taking away fun" from children, but rather about helping them build a healthy nutritional foundation and protect their long-term health. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and plenty of fresh, natural foods remain key to ensuring students have a healthy, active, and safe summer.
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nhung-mon-an-vat-can-han-che-trong-ngay-he-169260520211807307.htm
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