Chocolate is a favorite food for both children and adults, but eating too much of it is a concern for many parents, especially when it comes to children's health and nutritional balance. The right amount of chocolate for children depends on the age, the quality of the chocolate, and the nutritional content in it.
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When is a child banned from eating chocolate?
According to Dr. Bumish Tyagi, Consultant General Medicine at Shardacare Hospital, it is preferable not to serve chocolate to children under the age of one year, and preferably to postpone it until the age of two if possible. This is because most commercial chocolates contain high levels of added sugar and caffeine, which are inappropriate for a child's digestive system that is still developing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that it is best to wait until the child is 3 years old before regularly introducing chocolate into his diet. Younger children are often more sensitive to caffeine, and early and excessive consumption of sugar may increase the risk of obesity, tooth decay and hyperactivity problems in the future.
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for all children, as tolerance varies from child to child. However, the opinions of doctors and experts can be used to estimate the right amount of chocolate by age group:
Less than two years: It is advisable to avoid chocolate altogether.
3 to 6 years: 3 to 6 years: Very small amounts of chocolate can be served, at the rate of two small pieces twice a week. It is preferable to choose dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or more, as it contains nutritional benefits and less sugar compared to other types.
7 to 12 years: The amount can be moderately increased to 8 to 13 grams of dark chocolate, at a rate of two to three times a week. However, moderation is still necessary to avoid excessive sugar or caffeine intake.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations released in 2023, appropriate daily amounts of dark chocolate have been determined for children, based on their age
4-6 years: It is recommended not to exceed 8 grams per day of dark chocolate.
7-9 Years They can take up to 11 grams per day.
10-12 years: The recommended maximum is 13 grams per day.
Is dark chocolate good for kids?
Chocolate may seem like a delicious dessert to many, but it is especially Dark Chocolate Containing 70% or more cocoa, it may offer a number of health benefits for children if consumed in moderation and within a balanced diet. Here are the most prominent benefits of dark chocolate for kids:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that boost the body's immunity and help fight inflammation.
2. Promotes Brain Health
Cocoa compounds contribute to increased blood flow to the brain, which enhances concentration and memory, and supports cognitive function in children.
3. Improved mood
It stimulates the release of happiness hormones such as endorphins and serotonin, which helps improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Contains fiber
It contains a good percentage of dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion and promote gut health.
Chocolate is not always the enemy of the body
The secret lies in moderation and avoiding excess and choosing high-quality varieties such as dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more. While chocolate can offer real nutritional benefits, too much of it, especially sweetened and processed ones, can be counterproductive such as obesity, tooth decay, and hyperactivity in children.
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