At what age can children be given cocoa and when not?

Cocoa is a delicious drink loved by many children and adults. It contains many useful substances, has a positive effect on the child’s body, improves mood and the functioning of the nervous system. Helps improve attention and memory. But all this only if used correctly. Today, many caring parents ask: at what age is children allowed to drink cocoa? Let's figure it out.

How is cocoa good for children?

It is believed that consuming cocoa in moderation has a positive effect on the child's body. This is due to the rich composition of the product and the balance of reinforced concrete products. The powder contains an amino acid called tryptophan. The component stimulates the synthesis of the hormone of joy - endorphin, which lifts the mood for a long time in people of different age groups, including young children.

The main benefits of the finished drink are as follows:

• reduction of bad cholesterol;
• tonic effect;
• increased cognitive functions;
• increased performance and brain activity;
• restoration of strength;
• help in getting rid of dry cough;
• strengthening the immune system;
• protection from stress and the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.

There is a high content of vegetable protein - per 120 g of the finished product there is about 4.5 g of protein, as well as healthy unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, melanin, tannins, alkaloids and flavonol are present.

Why not

Unlike adults, children’s bodies react faster and more severely to the intake of a large number of different highly active substances, including those from tea. Black and especially green tea, even in small doses, can have undesirable effects on a young child, especially under the age of one year. Therefore, WHO does not recommend giving this drink to children under 2-3 years of age. This is due to the following properties of tea:

1. The presence of astringents and tannins (tannins), which can bind iron from food and interfere with its absorption in the digestive tract, as a result, you can get anemia in children under one year old.
2. Presence of alkaloid compounds such as caffeine. Unlike coffee, in tea it is called theine because it is associated with tannins. It has a longer and milder effect, capable of causing stimulation of the nervous system, increased heart rate, increased all metabolic processes, and increased peristalsis. It will be harder for the baby to bear it. In addition, caffeine destroys vitamin D in children, which contributes to the appearance of rickets. The remaining alkaloids cause vasodilation and a diuretic effect, so adult tea can only be given to children over 10 years of age.
3. Purine bases are the founders of uric acid salts, which are deposited in the kidneys, especially in children of the first year. An increased content of these bases can cause repeated vomiting, irritability, skin rashes, and uric acid diathesis.
4. The binding of calcium by oxalic acid, which is rich in black and green tea, occurs when the drink is given after meals to children under one year of age who eat mainly milk. In addition, tea stains the delicate enamel of children’s teeth, which erupt after 6–10 months.

For tea to be beneficial, it should be given to children following a few simple tips. There are only 10 of them:

• children aged 2 to 10 years are given only black loose leaf tea, but not in bags;
• You need to brew half the adult dose, do not steep for a long time so that the concentration does not increase, the drink should be introduced into the diet gradually;
• It is not recommended to give tea to preschoolers and primary schoolchildren more than 3 or 4 times a week, how many depends on age (the younger the child, the less often);
• tea for a child should not be too hot to avoid burns and destructive effects on tooth enamel;
• do not give your baby something to drink before bed due to excessive stimulation from the drink;
• do not give hot drinks when the baby has a high temperature;
• You can only use fresh tea leaves, re-brewing is not allowed;
• for young children it is better to dilute tea with milk, how much depends on the year of life, for children under 3 years old - half and half with milk, over 3 years old - in an arbitrary amount;
• It is not recommended to add sugar, you can use honey, but in the absence of allergies (for colds, honey with milk in tea plays the role of an antipyretic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent);
• you can add pieces of fruit (apple, lemon, raspberries, currants) or mint leaves, lemon balm.

After watching the video, you will learn what benefits and harms tea brings:

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According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, food products, including various drinks (except water), should appear on the baby’s menu no earlier than he reaches 6 months. The exception is teas that help improve bowel function or have a calming effect: for example, chamomile tea. It is possible to give such tea to a baby only if the pediatrician has given permission. Such drinks do not contain tannins and caffeine, which can negatively affect the child’s behavior and reduce his appetite (tannins have this property).

Who is cocoa suitable for?

A tasty and nutritious drink in moderate quantities will not harm a child if there are no contraindications for use. Cocoa is the best option when the baby refuses to drink milk. Thanks to its pleasant chocolate taste and delicate aroma, almost all children like this drink. The product is especially useful for schoolchildren who experience regular mental and physical stress. If you give it to your child for breakfast, brain performance and endurance will increase significantly. The drink helps get rid of coughs due to colds thanks to the theobromine it contains, improves mood and energy reserves. The product is especially useful if children get tired during sports activities: cocoa helps restore muscle tissue and quickly gain strength after training.

Adviсe

If you are going to give your child black tea, buy it from a specialty store.

It is best to take it without any additional ingredients. You should not brew tea in a bag for your child, as its composition is questionable. Any tea should be introduced into a children's menu with caution, like any other product unfamiliar to the child. Give it to your baby for breakfast the first time and watch your baby’s reaction for the rest of the day.

If the drink has affected your behavior and sleep or caused any other negative effects, stop drinking it for a while. Be especially careful with any herbal teas, as your child may develop an allergic reaction to medicinal herbs. Hibiscus can be given to a child from 3 years of age. This drink has the ability to strengthen the immune system. You should not give tea to your child in the afternoon, as its stimulating effect can worsen falling asleep and staying asleep. Do not give it to a child with a fever, as the drink may further increase the body temperature. Let the child drink it warm, since a hot drink harms both the teeth and the stomach, and the absorption of a cold drink is impaired.

For information about when to give tea to a child, see Dr. Komarovsky’s program.

Find out if your baby's weight is normal by using the following calculator.

Height and weight calculator

From what age should it be given to children?

Due to the frequent occurrence of allergic reactions, it is not recommended to suddenly introduce the drink into a child’s diet. Pediatricians recommend starting at age 2 in the absence of contraindications. If the baby suffers from allergies, then the addition of cocoa to the menu should be agreed with the doctor. You need to start gradually, on average, with a small spoon per quarter glass of water. It is important not to add new products in order to make it easier to determine how the body reacted specifically to cocoa powder. If no unpleasant symptoms occur, you can gradually increase the dose to 2-3 spoons.

Is it possible for a child aged 1, 2 and 3 to have cocoa?

Pediatricians do not recommend giving cocoa drinks to a one-year-old child. This is due to possible disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, the product has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, and in a 1-year-old baby the processes of its functioning have not yet been established, which can lead to serious disorder. At 2 years old, you can start giving it to your child, but not more than 2 times a week. The optimal age for introducing it into the diet, according to doctors, is 3 years. It is during this period that the digestive system is able to cope well with a product containing a large amount of nutrients and fiber. In this case, the volume of the finished drink should not exceed 100 ml.

When can you give cocoa to a small child?

Due to the caffeine content in the finished aromatic drink, it is not advisable to give it to a child in the evening or at night. The substance increases the baby’s activity and can disrupt sleep. Problems especially often arise if children have a disrupted daily routine or require a long time to relax before bed. Cocoa should be included in the morning menu as an excellent addition to breakfast. In this case, the product will not harm, but will saturate the child’s body with useful elements, give energy and vigor.

How to make cocoa for a child. Recipes

Some people prefer to brew cocoa with water, but it will be much more useful to brew it with milk. For taste, you can also add a little sugar, but not too much so as not to harm the child’s body. The best recipe for a three-year-old child is as follows:

• milk – 150 milliliters;
• cocoa – one teaspoon (if cocoa is bagged, then the recommended volume for one bag will be indicated on the packaging);
• sugar – 1.5 teaspoons.

First, the milk is boiled. Then sugar and cocoa powder are poured into it and, stirring, kept on low heat for another five minutes. After this, pour the drink into a mug and hold it there until it cools down a little (five to ten minutes). Often, a film may appear on the surface of cocoa, which can be removed before giving it to your child to drink. This recipe will definitely not harm the child’s body. If you wish, you can reduce the proportions indicated above, but increasing them is not recommended.

Preparing cocoa for a child at home is not at all difficult, and using a classic cocoa recipe as a basis, you can show your imagination.

Making a flavorful drink is quite simple. To do this you will need:

• cocoa powder - 1 tsp;
• sugar - to taste;
• water - 100 ml;
• milk - 100-150 ml.

In a separate container, mix chocolate powder with sugar and 1 tbsp. l. water. Next, the milk is mixed with the rest of the water and brought to a boil. After this, you need to add the chocolate mixture and boil for about ½ minute. Next, the prepared chocolate drink must be left for a few minutes so that it cools to a comfortable temperature.

Watch Dr. Komarovsky’s opinion on cocoa for a child in the following video.

How much cocoa can children drink?

When introducing a chocolate-flavored drink into a child’s diet, it is important to correctly determine the portions and age restrictions. The permissible dose for a 2-year-old child is 50 ml no more than 2 times a week. From 3 years old you can give 100 ml maximum 4 times every 7 days. Older children under 6 years of age are allowed to consume a small cup per day, preferably in the morning. Particular attention should be paid to the child's condition after taking cocoa. If a rash or itching occurs, a headache begins, or excessive irritability appears, you should consult a pediatrician.

Cocoa norm for older children, from what age

It is allowed to increase the amount of drink consumed upon reaching the age of 6 years. It is allowed to drink cocoa 4 times a week, 2 cups each, but a single serving should not exceed 150 ml. Schoolchildren need an additional source of energy, so the product in question will have a positive effect on all organs and systems if the recommended dosages are observed. Starting from 10 years, a portion can reach 250 ml, and you can drink cocoa every day. In adolescence, children 12-14 years old especially need zinc to normalize hormone levels. To meet the body's needs for this element, you need to drink 600 ml in 7 days.

When should a child not drink it?

Cocoa is a tasty and healthy product, but there are cases when its consumption should be minimized or even limited. A drink made from cocoa beans should not be drunk by hyperexcitable children with increased emotional and physical activity. Cocoa is prohibited for diabetes mellitus, kidney problems, and purine metabolism. In combination with milk, the powder has a high calorie content, so drinking the drink is also undesirable for children with increased body weight. The most common prohibition is a severe allergic reaction to the product. A rash appears on children's skin, burning and itching occurs, sleep disturbance and irritability are possible. Instant cooking options are especially dangerous, so special attention should be paid to the quality of the powder in order to minimize the manifestation of negative phenomena.

Is it possible to make chocolate at home?

Every mother can make delicious and healthy chocolate on her own together with her children in the kitchen. The main thing is to purchase the right ingredients and choose the right recipe. As additives, it is allowed to use fresh berries, hazelnuts and dried fruits. We suggest considering one of the options for making homemade chocolate:

• butter – 180 g;
• cocoa powder – 250 g;
• natural milk – 180 ml;
• granulated sugar – 160 g;
• powdered milk – 60 g;
• vanilla sugar to taste;
• dried apricots, prunes, nuts – 250 g.

The amount of ingredients can be varied according to desire and taste preferences. From the resulting mass you can make candies, figurines, use for cakes, etc. Pour the dairy product into a saucepan, place on the hob and bring to a boil, stirring regularly. Place the butter in a deep bowl and melt in a water bath. Combine with boiled milk, and then add dry milk in small portions with regular stirring.

It is important that the mass is uniform without lumps. Add other bulk ingredients one at a time: cocoa, simple and vanilla sugar. Heat the mixture in a water bath until it becomes homogeneous

The process should take no more than 25-30 minutes. Place the peeled nuts and prepared dried fruits on the bottom of the mold and pour in the hot chocolate and milk mixture. Cover and place in the freezer to harden for 1.5-3 hours. This natural and healthy ingredient can be given to family or friends for any occasion. Your favorite children's treat is ready.

Children and chocolate are inseparable as long as parents indulge in everything. Adults need to decide what is more important: the benefit or joy of the child. Sweets are not the only way to please and cheer up a child. It’s enough to pay a little attention: take a walk, take you to the zoo, to attractions, or just spend time watching an interesting cartoon. Take care of your children's health.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

The famous pediatrician Komarovsky confirms that the product in question is beneficial for children when consumed in moderation. Parents should take into account that it is best to give cocoa to babies in the morning, since drinking the drink significantly increases the child’s activity. The main thing is infrequent use and selection of a quality product.

Is it possible to have cocoa for ARVI: the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

According to Dr. Komarovsky, a delicious chocolate drink for ARVI can be consumed. The pediatrician claims that it is useful, but as a food, and not as a drink, which is prescribed in the treatment of manifestations of the disease. The best option is 1 cup per day.

The secret is in proper preparation

The traditional cooking method will require 20 minutes of mother’s time and a small set of ingredients: 1.5 tsp. cocoa powder and sugar, 250 ml of pure milk or diluted in half with water (both homemade and pasteurized or skim milk are allowed). Considering that cocoa itself has a high percentage of fat content, it is better to dilute homemade milk with water (in the classic recipe - in a 1:1 ratio). This will not affect the taste if you use quality ingredients.

1. Mix sugar and powder in a wide bowl.
2. Then pour in a little warm water or milk (up to 2 tablespoons) and mix again until smooth. The more thoroughly you mix, the less likely it is that there will be lumps in the drink.
3. Pour the milk into a saucepan or saucepan and, stirring constantly, bring to a boil.
4. In a thin stream, stirring, slowly pour the contents of the cup into the pan.
5. Turn off the fire 15-20 seconds from the start of boiling.

Culinary secret: to get a drink with a delicate foam and without a milky film, which children don’t like so much, you need to spend another 15 seconds on the contents of the pan, whisking it vigorously with a whisk.

Which is better: cocoa or hot chocolate?

One of the main differences between hot chocolate and cocoa is the raw materials. In the first case it is a solid chocolate bar, in the second it is cocoa bean powder. Hot chocolate has a thick texture, while cocoa has a liquid texture, similar to milk.

Each of the products has a number of advantages, which can be found in the table:

Composition and benefits

This is a very high-calorie product. Its energy value is 374 kcal, nutritional value:

• 24.2 g – proteins;
• 17.5 g – fat;
• 31.9 g – carbohydrates.

Cocoa contains substances valuable for the body:

• retinol;
• vitamins B1, B6, B9;
• vitamin PP;
• vitamin E;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• iron.

It is also a source of flavonoids, fiber, protein, tannin and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

All this brings undoubted benefits to the body, because:

• improves mood by increasing the level of dopamine and endorphins. This property also helps to cope more easily with stressful situations and overwork;
• gives a feeling of satiety;
• helps fight spasms due to theobromine and potassium content;
• promotes muscle recovery after physical activity;
• helps to quickly overcome dry cough during ARVI;
• gives vigor;
• this drink can cover the calcium requirement if the child is reluctant to eat dairy products;
• has a beneficial effect on brain activity;
• The antioxidants included in the composition fight free radicals, which reduces the risk of cancer.

How to choose a quality product?

When choosing cocoa, it is important to pay attention to the shelf life of the product, the manufacturer, and the composition. A good drink should not contain flavors, preservatives, dyes or other chemicals.

In addition, we select a quality drink according to the following criteria:

• packaging must be sealed and without damage;
• if it is indicated that the product is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age, then this indicates a high sugar and caffeine content in cocoa;
• high quality dry powder cannot have a price that is too low;
• The composition must contain only components of natural origin.

After opening, it is important to pay attention to the color of the product. The shade should be even, without light inclusions. High-quality powder dissolves well, does not collect in lumps, remains on the fingers without turning into dust.

Harm and contraindications

• Allergies may occur, therefore, if you are prone to allergic reactions, introduction to such a drink is postponed until a later age (at least up to 3 years). A negative reaction is manifested by spots on the skin, an itchy rash, inflammation of the eyelids and other symptoms. If they appear, you should immediately stop drinking and consult a doctor.
• It is a source of caffeine and theobromine, the properties of which are similar. These compounds in excess amounts increase the child’s activity and excite the nervous system. For this reason, cocoa should be avoided in cases of hyperactivity, as well as in children with choleric temperament.
• Drinking cocoa at night can prevent your child from falling asleep.
• The preparation of the drink involves the addition of milk and sugar, so the cocoa turns out to be quite high in calories. This limits its use in overweight children.
• If you give it to your child before meals, the baby may refuse to eat, since the drink is quite filling.
• It is contraindicated for children with impaired kidney function and problems with purine metabolism.
• Too frequent use may cause constipation.
• The drink can cause migraines.

Storage conditions and nuances

If stored improperly, even the highest quality product will quickly lose its taste and aroma properties in a short period of time. Cocoa powder should be placed in dense metal or glass containers with a closing lid. There should be no foreign products with a strong odor nearby. It is not allowed to keep the powder in the refrigerator, as it begins to clump and loses its chocolate taste. The optimal temperature is about 20-22 degrees. Signs by which you can understand that a dry product has spoiled are the appearance of mold, a bitter taste, and an unpleasant odor. Once the package is opened, cocoa is stored on average for about 2 months.