Stop the weight-gain in children
Obesity is one of the more serious health issues in South African children, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The organisation has cited childhood obesity among the most serious health challenges in the 21st century, prompting health-conscious parents to make more informed decisions on their children’s nutritional choices.
The WHO states that the fundamental cause of childhood obesity is an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended through exercise, associated with an energy-dense diet which is high in fat and sugar, but low in vitamins, minerals and other healthy micro-nutrients.
Adding to the problem is a trend towards decreased physical activity, due to increasingly sedentary recreation, changing transport modes and increasing urbanisation.
The South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012 stated that the combined childhood overweight and obesity prevalence in the country was 13.5% for children aged six to 14 years.
This was higher than the 10% global prevalence.
“If action is not taken to halt this epidemic, the expected increase in overweight and obese South African children will become a major concern,” the report states.
Another national survey has criticised the poor state of children’s school lunches, specifically the high intake of sugary cool drinks.
About two in three school children purchase sugary drinks at least twice weekly, with each soft drink containing up to 55g of sugar.
The WHO guidelines recommend a maximum daily limit of 40g of sugar for children, less than the sugar content in just one serving of some sugary drinks.
Locally-grown rooibos is a sugar-free alternative drink, with the additional benefit of:
- being naturally caffeine-free,
- containing antioxidants to boost the immune system, as well as helping to reduce allergies and inflammation,
- keeping the body hydrated,
- soothing stomach cramps and colic in infants and,
- helping to reduce stress levels.
A Spanish study determined rooibos reduced the number and size of fat cells, as well as preventing the development of fatty liver disease.
Rooibos provides a good alternative to sugary drinks, which are loaded with empty calories and provide limited essential nutrients, while being linked to weight gain, poor health and tooth decay.
According to Australian actor and director Damon Gameau, UK research has shown five-year-old children are consuming their body weight in sugar annually.
This translates into 22kg of sugar each year, three times the maximum recommended amount.
Gameau is famous for his documentary ”That Sugar Film” that followed a three-year global tour to research the impact of current sugar consumption levels.
Parents can creatively use rooibos to produce healthier snacks and drinks for their children’s school lunch boxes, or as treats at home, knowing they are investing in their long-term health and nutritional requirements.
- Rooibos iced tea
Make up one litre of rooibos using four to six tea bags; sweeten with honey to taste and leave in the fridge to cool overnight.
Experiment with the basic iced tea by adding mint, lemon, orange, granadilla, mango or apple, or a combination, to find an iced tea variant suited to personal tastes.
- Rooibos ice lollies
Pour rooibos iced tea into popsicle containers or ice trays to freeze as a refreshing after-school treat.
