Yes of-course but in moderation.
Chocolate and Children
Chocolate does not have as much caffeine as you might think, but it does have some. Remember that young children are affected by even small amounts of caffeine. It may be a good idea to watch the amount of chocolate your child has to avoid.
Researchers are telling us that there are Benefits in eating chocolate.
1. Energizing
Cocoa is nature’s own energy-booster. Theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate, are both psychoactive chemical stimulants that improve the speed of neurotransmitters. This affects the way messages are being sent from the brain to our body, helping with the overall cognitive development, especially in kids.
2. Losing Weight
Chocolate has also been known to help with losing weight. By boosting metabolism, it speeds up the rate at which our body transfers fats and sugars into energy. Also, it detoxifies the body, relieving it of harmful materials.
3.Appetite
Because of the versatility of chocolate, incorporating, and even making it into an entire meal, can satisfy any growing-appetite. Dark chocolate with high cocoa percentage, contains one sixth of the recommended daily fiber intake. This means that healthy recipes containing chocolate can sustain a balanced diet.
Here are some of the important health effects of chocolate on kid(s).
- Hyperactivity: The refined sugar present in chocolates can enter the blood stream. This will cause a rise in the blood sugar level. This in turn causes a trigger for the production of Adrenalin and your child can become hyperactive.
- Obesity is one the common problem that we are facing globally. Obesity and its complications take the first place in the list of bad effects of chocolate on kids.
- Addiction: Regular consumption of chocolates can make your toddler addicted to this. This will make the condition a little difficult to handle. This is one side effect of eating chocolates regularly.
- Increased urination: 5 mg of caffeine is present in one ounce of milk chocolate. Since caffeine has mild diuretic properties, your child will experience frequent urge for urination. This is yet another side effect of chocolate on children.
- Allergies: There are many other substances added to commercially available chocolates. If your toddler is allergic to any of these, it may create problems. This usually happens if chocolate contains milk or nuts, which your toddler can be allergic to.
- Rejection of healthy food: If your toddler gets addicted to chocolates or any other processed sugary foods, it will be difficult to make them opt for healthy and nutritious foods.
- Sleep problem: Even though the amount of caffeine present in chocolate is low, it can cause sleep disturbances in your kids if taken in high amount.
Modern Momma Ph 