Study Finds Ultra-Processed Food Makes Up 50 Percent of the Diet of Kiwi Kids

For the first time, a research study has investigated the amount of processed foods in Kiwi children's diets, finding nearly 50 percent of what they consume is ultra-processed, and it begins from a young age.

Reports on this finding specified that the study investigated 800 kids over a decade and discovered that processed foods such as crackers, bread, and muesli bars are the basis of most Kiwi kids' diets.

Specifically, bread and crackers were considered acceptable under applicable nutrition guidelines. They might be served as inclusions in meals or accompanying items like fillings in sandwiches or dips, which were all possibly contributing to beneficial nutrients to kids' diets.

Additionally, the study also found that by age 12 months old, 45 percent of the diet of a child was composed of ultra-processed food, and by five years old, the percentage "increased to 51 percent."

The research also concluded that it is a misconception that processed foods are more typical in disadvantaged locations.

According to researcher Louise Fangupo at the University of Otago, what was found in the study is an interesting result.

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Suggestion from Scientific Literature

Many of the scientific literature, Fangupo said, "Would suggest that a lot of these foods are cheaper," and thus, probably that would have been a sensible expectation. However, "it is not reflected in what we've found."

While ultra-processed foods are usually rich in sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium, it does not necessarily mean all products are bad. Fangupo added, it is about choice and moderation.

Furthermore, the researcher said some ultra-processed foods are certainly not foods adults should be giving children every day, although some of them are considered a staple.

Nurture Childcare Center professional childcare chef Anya Bell said, therefore, "it's not so much the processing that matters."

Instead, it is the food and the nutrient it contains. The chef also said nutrition is critical in the early years of a child. The nutrition, she added, that kids have in that first couple of years, is very essential to their developmental progress, brain development-everything.

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Differentiating Options Between Food and Drink

Bell also said it is essential to explain the difference between food and drink choices. "It is very hard to say to them," she explained, that this food "is bad for you and it will make you sick," since they are expecting to fall ill immediately, and if it does not take place, "They'll think you must be wrong."

However, the earlier healthy eating starts, elaborated Bell, the more likely kids are to develop the superpower of good habits just like adults.

As mentioned, ultra-processed food was typically described as characteristically unhealthy and had commonly gained a lot of attention in scientific and other studies recently.

Furthermore, these foods were usually considered energy-dense products, which, aside from being rich in sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium, are also low in protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nevertheless, Fangupo cautioned that the categorization of food as "ultra-processed" denoted the "extent and purpose of the food processing," not to mention, it was not always a dependable sign of its dietary quality nutrient content.

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