The good and the bad of chocolate for children
We can differentiate dark chocolate, with a high amount of cocoa, milk chocolate, with less cocoa and to which other ingredients such as milk and sugar are added, and white chocolate, without cocoa but with cocoa butter and sugar. In any case, if one thing is clear to adults is the close relationshi
We can differentiate dark chocolate, with a high amount of cocoa, milk chocolate, with less cocoa and to which other ingredients such as milk and sugar are added, and white chocolate, without cocoa but with cocoa butter and sugar.
In any case, if one thing is clear to adults is the close relationship that children have with chocolate, is this beneficial or harmful for the little ones? What's good and bad about chocolate for children?
Disadvantages of chocolate for children
- Contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium and manganese, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and pantothenic acid. The amount of copper provided by cocoa is high and with a very high bioavailability, which can have a negative effect on cardiovascular health, as well as inhibiting the absorption and bioavailability of other nutrients. In addition, some studies link high levels of copper with an increased risk of cancer. In this aspect, milk chocolate, containing less cocoa, also contains less copper. Algunos - Some studies suggest that
cocoa is one of the foods with the most lead , something extremely harmful for children's health, although more data is needed to confirm this fact. La - The fat of cocoa butter pure cocoa butter contains basically stearic, oleic and palmitic acid, which makes it quite neutral as far as health is concerned, and does not affect cholesterol levels. However, when adding other ingredients,the percentage of fat from other sources increases
, as in milk chocolate, and milk fat increases the amount of saturated fatty acids, less recommended for health. - Theamount of sugar
present in milk chocolate and white chocolate poses a risk to the physical and dental health of our children. - It is a highly caloric food, so it must be taken into account and consumed in small quantities, since it provides too many micronutrients.
Advantages of chocolate for children -
Its antioxidant content
, polyphenols such as catechins, can counteract the negative effect of copper, since it offers cardiovascular protection. Al - To bring a lot of energy, it can be beneficial to face the intense physical activity that children do in school.
- Contains natural stimulants, such as phenylethylamine, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. These types of substances are considered to have psychoactive effects, being able to inhibit pain or modify mood, but can create dependence. It has antidepressant properties, since it favors the production of serotonin, and can contribute to children being more attentive and focused, which can have an impact on a better school result.
- It also contains theobromine and a small amount of caffeine being able to keep children on alert, but we recommend lowering the consumption when it is necessary to favor relaxation.
Moderately, chocolate for children is a food that neither poses a risk to children's health nor a contribution of benefits that can be considered relevant.
