Shushu, I always see many parents not giving their children candy, but eating candy is the fastest way to bring back childhood! Curious Shushu carefully checked the information and found that there is actually no scientific evidence to prove that “eating candy will make children overexcited”! ! Why is there a saying that “eating candy makes children hyper?” Please continue reading!

What does the research say?

There was a classic study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1994 that divided children into different groups. Some of them ate a lot of sugar, and some did not. The results showed that their behavior and attention…there was no difference at all.

The American Medical Association also carefully compiled several similar studies and concluded: “Eating sugar will not make children particularly excited.” In other words, the so-called “sugar high” is actually just an urban legend that everyone has misunderstood for a long time.

Why is there a saying that “eating sugar makes children hyper”?

In fact, it is very simple, it is “psychological suggestion”. When some parents see their children eating candy, they subconsciously think: “It’s over, he will lose control again!” As a result, they pay special attention to the “liveliness” of their children, and even children who don’t eat candy are labeled the same.

Think about it, when do children eat candy most often? It’s either birthdays, parties, or festivals. These are always very exciting occasions! Children are excited because they are happy, and it has nothing to do with candy. Candy is just a small supporting role.

Is it true that eating sugar has no effect at all?

It won’t make you go crazy in the short term, but a high-sugar diet in the long term will affect your health.

  • Increased risk of tooth decay and obesity
  • May affect emotion regulation and brain adaptability
  • Cultivate sweets addiction and affect eating habits

So what should parents do?

Don’t ban it outright, because it may make your child eat secretly.

Set “candy rules”, for example: only give rewards on weekends or for good performance.

Prioritize natural sugars, such as fruits are healthier than candy.

Establish eating habits and help your child understand the impact of food.Source: 
Wolraich ML, Wilson DB, White JW. (1995)、
Hoover, Daniel & Milich, Richard (1994)

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