Just a few centuries ago, cocoa was available only to royalty. But times changed, and this amazing drink became available to the public. Our childhood was not complete without him. As a rule, many remember those happy moments when our parents spoiled us with a cup of this truly divine drink.
Cocoa goes perfectly with milk and this culinary tandem leaves no one indifferent. Children especially like it, as it has a pronounced chocolate taste. Naturally, everyone wants to let their kids try it as soon as possible, but this event should not be forced. Cocoa is not a dessert at all and it will never become a complete substitute for water or nutritious compote, and the consumption of this drink is strongly recommended for children no earlier than 2 years old.
Consuming cocoa in permitted doses is still beneficial for children. In addition to excellent taste, this product has a number of positive properties.
It contains more than three hundred mineral substances useful for any child’s body, for example, there are: manganese, calcium components, magnesium compounds, iron, and so on. In addition, nature contains a very impressive bouquet of various vitamins, fiber, proteins, fatty acids and other elements necessary for humans in cocoa powder.
It should be especially emphasized that all these components remain in the drink even after heat treatment.
If you decide to allow children to drink cocoa, then you need to know some of the nuances of using this drink in baby food.
First of all, you should clearly know when this drink can cause certain harm to the child’s body.
Benefits of cocoa
In addition to being very tasty, cocoa also has beneficial properties. The benefit of cocoa lies in the presence in its composition of plant proteins (which are absorbed more slowly in the child’s body than animals), carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin B9 and phosphorus, and also in the fact that cocoa triggers the process of endorphin release, which affects to improve your mood. This drink has a pleasant taste, high nutritional value, and improves mental activity.
When can you offer cocoa?
Healthy children who do not suffer from food allergies and do not have problems with the digestive system are still allowed to introduce the drink earlier - from 2 years of age. But only sometimes as a rare dessert.
- Children suffering from food allergies should not try cocoa until they are 3–5 years old; in most cases, even at school age, cocoa remains prohibited for them. It is better to administer it carefully, in small portions starting from once a week, depending on the characteristics of the child and his state of health.
- Children with metabolic diseases, in particular purine deficiency (gout, kidney disorders), should not be given cocoa even at an older age.
- It should not be given to obese children; it is better for them to drink unsweetened, low-calorie drinks.
- Hyperactive children and choleric people do not need cocoa.
Attention! If, after consuming cocoa, a child develops signs of an allergy: rash, spots on the skin, itching, inflammation of the eyelids, cocoa should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted about the possibility of further use.
Harm from cocoa
In addition to its beneficial properties, cocoa also has contraindications:
- Allergies may occur if consumed in large quantities or at an early age.
- Contains caffeine, which increases the baby's activity and stimulation of the nervous system.
- The recipe for the traditional cocoa drink includes milk and sugar; these products also contain allergens and are contraindicated for overweight children.
- This product is contraindicated in children with kidney health problems.
Contraindications
Cocoa is unacceptable for consumption in the following cases:
Can nursing mothers have cocoa?
- If the child is overweight. The high calorie content of the brewed delicious drink is clearly not going to do him any good.
- The drink is also contraindicated for children who have kidney problems, since its powder contains purines.
- It is not recommended to give this invigorating drink to children with a pronounced choleric temperament and increased hyperactivity.
- It is advisable to avoid cocoa if the child is frequently depressed.
- A predisposition to allergies is also a reason to refuse this chocolate treat.
- Children who are prone to constipation should consume cocoa very carefully and in fairly small doses.
If cocoa does not cause side effects and is not contraindicated, then it is safely given to children
At what age can a child be given cocoa?
It is important that parents who want to pamper their child with a chocolate drink are informed about the age at which their child can be given cocoa.
According to experts, it is not at all advisable for children to become acquainted with cocoa before the age of three, but if the child’s parents are confident that his body tolerates cow’s milk well and is not prone to allergic reactions to sugar and cocoa beans, then you can try to diversify your child’s diet. child.
In this case, you can treat your baby to this wonderful drink for the first time at 2 years old. The first portion should not exceed a couple of teaspoons; after the first test, it is necessary to track the child’s body’s reaction to a new product in his diet. An allergy may manifest itself as redness on the child’s skin, itching, or other types of reactions. If no problems arise and the child’s body reacts positively to the new product, then you can continue to occasionally give cocoa to the baby in small quantities.
Please note that you should not offer your baby cocoa before the designated age, since the allergens, tannins, sugar, and caffeine it contains will not be beneficial to the baby.
From the age of three years, the amount of cocoa consumed can gradually be increased to half the child's cup, from which he usually drinks other drinks. Regularity should not exceed 2-3 times a week. It is advisable to offer cocoa to your child in the morning so that he is energized, his activity increases and the supply of nutrients contained in the drink is replenished.
It is not advisable to drink this drink before bed, since the caffeine contained in cocoa excites the child’s nervous system and he may have problems falling asleep. By the age of six, this drink can be given to a child more often, even every other day or daily, of course, if there are no allergies or other contraindications. At this age and up to 10 years, the serving size can be increased to 100 ml; after ten years, the child is allowed to drink up to 250 ml of cocoa per day.
When is it better to drink cocoa - in the morning or in the evening?
It is better to give your child cocoa in the first half of the day. After all, this wonderful drink contains caffeine, which gives children a boost of energy for the whole day. It should not be given in the evening before bedtime, so that nothing prevents the child from falling asleep peacefully.
Useful: How, when and in what quantities to introduce egg yolk into complementary foods?
In addition, the chocolate drink is very high in calories, as it is prepared with whole milk with added sugar. Therefore, children who are prone to obesity do not need to be given it every day. If the baby is very active, the drink definitely won’t hurt. But again, it is better for children not to overload the gastrointestinal tract with extra calories at night.
Cocoa contains phenylephylamine, which promotes the production of endorphin - the magical hormone of joy. Therefore, a cherished cup of drink perfectly lifts the child’s mood.
What is the difference between cocoa and hot chocolate?
Unlike cocoa, natural chocolate and cream are used to make hot chocolate. This drink, of course, tastes very good, but it contains more sugar and is fattier, so it is better to postpone the use of such a product by a child until the age of 10.
There is also instant hot chocolate, its composition leaves much to be desired, so this product is not compatible with a healthy diet.
Secrets of making cocoa
It would seem that this wonderful drink cannot be spoiled. And the variety of instant cocoa simplifies the preparation process. After all, the method is not at all complicated: pour the powder and add hot water or milk. The main thing is not to read the ingredients. Because, unfortunately, such drinks contain not only ground beans, but also various stabilizers, leavening agents and preservatives.
For maximum benefit, it is preferable to take cocoa powder without additives, made in accordance with GOST. Especially if you are going to cook it for children. There are no impurities in its composition. But you'll have to tinker with it a little.
- A tasty and healthy chocolate drink is prepared only with milk. On water the taste is not at all the same - not so rich and delicate. The volume of milk depends on the amount of drink you want to get as a result - 1 liter of milk is equal to 1 liter of the finished product. But if you are cooking for a child who has just turned one, it is better to dilute the milk with water in a 1:2 ratio.
- The milk must be brought to a boil.
- To prevent the powder from forming lumps, you must first combine it with sugar and add a small amount of cold milk to the bowl. The mixture is thoroughly mixed.
- The prepared suspension must be added to the milk brought to a boil. Stirring, bring the drink to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Hot drink is poured into cups. It can be drunk both hot and cold. Children, of course, are given warm cocoa.
Useful: When and how to introduce yolk into baby's complementary foods
Why is cocoa not allowed for children under 3 years of age?
Excess sugar, theobromine, which has a tonic effect, and other substances can cause an allergic reaction and nervous irritability. But if in the morning a one-year-old child does not eat well or refuses to eat at all, then it is allowed to give a small cup for breakfast; thanks to its nutritional value, cocoa will give energy and vigor to the baby.
Attention! You should start with small portions - 1-2 cups of 100-150 ml per week, preferably in the morning. The volume of the drink should be increased starting from the age of 6, but no more than 300-400 ml per week. For older children aged 10 years and over, the drink can be consumed daily in a cup of 200-250 ml.
Can children drink cocoa at night?
delicious carob cocoa with milk in a glass on the table.
Milk, by its qualities, softens any other component that dissolves in it.
However, keeping in mind the contraindications of cocoa and the threat of allergies, it is better to refrain from such an early drink on the table of a one-year-old and two-year-old baby.
If your baby is absolutely healthy and has had no serious illnesses or allergies from birth to 2 years, is active and develops well, try treating him with a spoonful of aromatic cocoa.
teenage girl holding a cup of delicious cocoa in her hand
From the moment cocoa appears on the child’s table until school age, the permissible norm is 4 times every 7 days.
In this case, 1 time is equal to a cup with a volume of 50-70 ml. And it's better with milk and honey, not sugar.
there is a cup of aromatic cocoa and a sugar bowl on the table.
Categorically refuse this and do not give in to the child’s requests. Since cocoa contains invigorating substances, they can literally “drive away” sleep and cause hysterics, bad behavior and mood swings.
freshly brewed cocoa in a cup on the table
If you are a supporter of cocoa and love it yourself, which is why you offer it to your child, choose the product correctly.
Some tips:
- Pay attention to the country of production - cocoa beans should grow naturally in it. And this is not China at all,
- fat percentage. In a quality product it reaches 15%,
- harvesting method and grinding quality. Good cocoa without astringency is dried in the sun and in the ground alternately, and crushed to the state of dust, which does not clump together when rubbed with fingers,
- powder color. The ideal range is dark to medium brown with no greyness,
- additives and flavorings. Good cocoa should not have them.
If you are a supporter of a healthy lifestyle and against any mental “stimulants,” replace cocoa with carob. Outwardly, it is very similar to the first one, and is similar in chemical composition, but without stimulating components. The second positive factor is that carob itself is sweet, which means that when brewing it, sugar is not needed for sweetening.
Buy carob in Ayurvedic or specialized health food stores.
So, we looked at the benefits and harmful properties of cocoa for children, and got acquainted with the opinion regarding the age of the child at which this drink can be introduced into the diet.
We paid attention to tips on choosing the best cocoa powder for brewing it for children, as well as with an alternative substitute for it.
Be conscious in choosing food for your child and take care of your health!
The most suitable time to consume cocoa is morning. When else can you give your child cocoa? You can cook it for an afternoon snack or at any time that is not too late when you want to be in a good mood. Substances contained in cocoa promote the production of joy hormones.
The drink can be used to restore strength after illness and intense physical activity (included in the diet of athletes). The recipe is as follows: mix egg yolks with sugar, add warm cocoa, heat, but do not bring to a boil, and shake well.
Why not before 3 years?
You should not experiment and introduce cocoa into your child’s diet before the required age. Tannins, excess sugar and the tonic properties of this drink will not benefit a small child. Theothrombin, 40 aromatic compounds - it makes sense to protect a one-year-old child from all allergens, so we can definitely say that a one-year-old child does not need cocoa. But even if you decide to give cocoa to your child before the required age, then give preference to a high-quality and natural product; you should not accustom your baby to Nesquik-type drinks. Cocoa should be a dark brown powder without flavoring additives or aromas, without lumps or grains, and dissolve well. High-quality cocoa should have a fat content of more than 15% and smell of chocolate.
Cocoa: benefits and harm for children
Cocoa is rich in vitamins and microelements, improves mood and tones.
- The composition of cocoa is very suitable for children; it is rich in the necessary amount of minerals and vitamins. In addition, cocoa, chocolate and desserts with its addition are among the most delicious.
- The most pleasant property of cocoa is that it improves your mood. In response to cocoa entering the body, the joy hormone endorphin is produced, which is why a bar of chocolate or a cup of cocoa helps cope with stress so well.
- Cocoa has excellent tonic properties.
- Cocoa contains the substance theobromine, which suppresses the cough reflex, which means it is useful to drink cocoa for a dry, painful cough.
- Cocoa is a high-calorie product that satisfies hunger.
- Helps withstand physical activity and promotes rapid recovery of the body after training.
- It is useful for thin, anemic children to drink.
This drink literally makes you happy. It contains active substances that cause emotional uplift. This process occurs at the hormonal level.
Microelements and acids, with their diversity, also provide continuous benefits.
Due to caffeine, cocoa energizes you. The question about caffeine is still open: what is more beneficial or harmful in it? Measurement is important, as with any substance with a pronounced effect. Caffeine wakes you up in the morning and is not needed at all in the evening, so cocoa is for breakfast, but obviously not for dinner.
The chocolate drink provides energy not only because of the caffeine, but also due to its high nutritional value. Over 200 kilocalories per 100 g of cocoa powder. The child must be able to move actively during the day in order to use the calories received. Children prone to obesity should limit this drink and any sweets. It's for their own good.
Cocoa contains many proteins that are so necessary, especially plant proteins. For healthy muscle development during the growth period, this is exactly what fidgets need.
The drink thins the blood, prevents the formation of blood clots, and is a natural antioxidant. In addition, it improves blood flow due to its chemical composition. The drink improves your entire metabolism. In the brain, blood circulation is as normalized as in the entire vascular system.
Melanin contained in cocoa prepares the skin for a safe tan. Tissue regeneration processes are accelerated.
In terms of nutrient content, the drink is complete - proteins, lipids and carbohydrates - it contains everything. Especially the chocolate drink is rich in chemical elements such as zinc and ferrum. The miracle legume reduces the likelihood of some dangerous diseases of the endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems.
Cocoa butter and cocoa powder are products of processing cocoa beans. The beans are extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the chocolate tree, which reaches a height of more than 10 meters. Cocoa beans contain many useful substances, varied in composition and effect on the human body.
These are microelements and minerals: dietary fiber, vegetable protein, organic acids and oils, sugar, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin complex of groups A, E, B, PP.
Cocoa promotes the production of serotonin, a substance responsible for the production of the pleasure hormone, so when you are stressed or in a bad mood, it is useful to eat a few shares of chocolate or drink a cup of a delicious chocolate drink.
Products made from cocoa beans have beneficial properties:
- They have an antioxidant effect. Laboratory studies have shown that the substances contained in them are able to remove free radicals and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- They help lower blood pressure and generally improve blood circulation in the brain, which has a positive effect on a person’s intellectual abilities.
- Stimulate metabolic processes in the body, lower the level of bad cholesterol.
- Thanks to their nutritional value, they help restore strength after intense physical activity and illness, and relieve muscle spasms.
- They have a positive effect on the elasticity of blood vessels and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Saponified cocoa butter is used in a medicine to treat joints (prevent the destruction of the cartilage layer).
- In cosmetology, they are used as anti-aging procedures (chocolate wraps), added to creams, lotions, masks, etc.
- In cooking they are used by confectioners to prepare biscuits, creams, and sweets.
- Due to the high zinc content, they have a beneficial effect on men's health.
Despite all the benefits, a controversial issue arises when including this product in the diet of nursing mothers. Some of them claim that when combined with milk, cocoa increases lactation. But you should not abuse this drink, because it can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system of mother and baby.
aromatic fresh cocoa in a teapot and two cups on the table.
The beneficial properties of cocoa for a child’s body are:
- rich chemical composition. These are vitamins, microelements, fiber, and natural acids/substances,
- medicinal qualities that are clearly manifested in colds, diseases of the digestive system and skin,
- low calorie content and at the same time high nutritional value, thanks to which you can easily replace your child’s second breakfast by brewing a cup of aromatic cocoa,
- a boost of energy in the morning, which is sometimes lacking for a hypodynamic baby,
- a worthy replacement for chocolate if the child has an addiction to the latter.
However, there are also harmful effects:
- allergy. It can either arise from the consumption of cocoa or be congenital,
- overexcitation of the body. Although caffeine is present in cocoa in minute doses, it is contraindicated for an overly active baby.
- disrupts the process of calcium absorption. In different sources you will find conflicting opinions on this feature of cocoa. A number of nutritionists and medical specialists advise brewing cocoa with milk for children in order to neutralize this feature of beans. Therefore, make your own decision intelligently,
- Contraindicated for children under 3 years of age.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz9J4wgdSF8
If your child has an allergy from birth, refrain from introducing cocoa into the diet at least until school age.
Think about it! Cocoa is strictly prohibited during pregnancy. If this fact occurs, then you should be careful with this drink. Even the Maya used it on special occasions and only by selected adults of the tribe.
