From gut issues to heart disease: What cream biscuits actually do to your health
"These ingredients are designed to mimic the texture and taste of cream while keeping costs low and shelf life long — but their nutritional value is close to zero," says the expert.In fact, it is anything but real cream, and "these substances are far from healthy," says Sifa Chishti, Clinical Dietician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.TRANS FATS AND LONG-TERM HARMOne of the most harmful ingredients in cream biscuits is trans fat, commonly found in vanaspati or dalda.'Hydrogenated fats raise LDL or 'bad' cholesterol and lower HDL or 'good' cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease,' warns Laxmi. They can also cause chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and even type 2 diabetes over time.
The cream in these biscuits is a processed blend of hydrogenated vegetable fats like vanaspati or dalda, along with sugar syrup, artificial flavours, colouring agents, emulsifiers, and preservatives. (Photo: Pexels)
Sifa notes that trans fats are especially dangerous for children. 'They contribute to central obesity, fatty liver disease, and developmental delays. They even disrupt gut health and microbiota, leading to digestion issues and poor immunity," she says.THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ADDITIVESCream biscuits aren't just fattening — they're loaded with chemical additives that may quietly accumulate in the body.'While food agencies allow small amounts of preservatives and flavouring agents, regular exposure, especially in childrencan have adverse effects,' Laxmi explains. These include allergic reactions, behavioural changes like hyperactivity, and even liver or gut damage over time.Some additives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are carcinogenic, while others like sodium benzoate and artificial dyes have been linked to mental disorders and hyperactivity in children. "Certain emulsifiers can also damage gut flora and trigger mood disorders or autoimmune conditions," Sifa says.THE LINK TO OBESITY AND METABOLIC DISORDERSRegularly indulging in cream biscuits isn't just a harmless habit, it's a potential gateway to serious metabolic issues.'These biscuits are high in sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats, but low in fibre and nutrients. This makes them addictive and easy to overeat,' says Laxmi. Over time, this can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver, even in teenagers.
Regularly indulging in cream biscuits isn't just a harmless habit, it's a potential gateway to serious metabolic issues, especially in children and teenagers. ()
Sifa points out that processed foods like these are energy-dense but nutrient-poor. "Their excessive calories, refined sugar, and synthetic additives can lead to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular problems, and autoimmune conditions," she says.Besides this, such foods also create a havoc inside the body by disrupting hormones. Teenagers begin to experience hormonal imbalances and thyroid issues due to improper nutrition and excessively munching on junk food.WHAT CAN YOU EAT INSTEAD?Thankfully, there are healthier snack alternatives. Instead of cream biscuits, look for whole-grain or millet cookies, nut butter-based snacks, or date-and-nut bars. 'Homemade oat cookies made from banana, coconut oil, and dried fruits are great," recommends Laxmi.Sifa suggests Indian-style healthy snacks like moong khakhra, roasted chana, makhana, and seed or nut crackers. Even traditional treats like rajgira or kurmura chikki can be better choices when made with minimal ingredients.Cream biscuits may be sweet, but not sweet for health. Experts urge parents and individuals to read ingredient labels and opt for natural, minimally processed snacks to cater to sweet cravings.- Ends
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