When to give cocoa to a child. When can you give your child cocoa: how to choose and prepare. To prepare a serving of cocoa drink, you will need

Each mug of cocoa contains:

protein;
cellulose;
calcium;
phosphorus;
folic acid;
serotonin, which can improve mood.

A tasty drink, according to doctors, is useful to give to children for quick muscle recovery after physical exercise and playing sports.

Cocoa also contains special biologically active substances. They have a positive effect on the mental development of children and increase the efficiency of schoolchildren. A hot drink also relieves stress.

However, cocoa can be beneficial for more than just small children. Although the drink contains very little caffeine, it contains another substance, theobromine, which is similar in properties to caffeine. Therefore, you should not give your child a lot of cocoa.

Another danger is the high likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. If the baby has a tendency to allergies, then this drink should be introduced into his diet as late as possible.

The third feature of cocoa is that it contains a large number of calories. During the preparation process, milk and sugar are added to the drink. When feeding children who are prone to overweight, it is better to give preference to low-calorie drinks.

At what age is it already possible

At 2 years old, you can give cocoa to children. A crumb can drink 50 ml of a drink in one day, but no more than four times a week. It is wise to offer your toddler cocoa at breakfast, especially if he has a poor appetite in the morning.

Younger students are allowed to drink 100 ml at a time. Still, you shouldn't consume a lot of cocoa. The child's body must be protected from possible allergies. If you notice skin redness or rashes in children, you should exclude this drink from their diet.

The same taste from childhood - how to achieve it

When choosing cocoa powder, you should carefully study the label and check the expiration date. The composition should not contain:

dyes;
preservatives;
flavorings.

Only natural product suitable for small children. Cocoa powder looks uniform without lumps. Its particles are very fine, almost like dust. The color is rich, chocolate.

If you find the powder is gray or whitish, discard the spoiled product immediately. Store cocoa tightly in a cool, dry place.

Here classic recipe preparation of liquid treats for children. Combine one and a half teaspoons of cocoa powder and the same amount of sugar in a saucepan. Add hot water... Place the saucepan over moderate heat. Bring to a boil while stirring. Pour in a glass of preheated milk. Reduce heat.

Heat the mixture, but do not bring it to a boil. Remove from stove. Then beat with a whisk for 15 seconds to create a foam. This procedure will allow you to better mix all the components of the drink and prevent the formation of a film on the surface, which causes disgust in children, as a result of which they will not want to drink such drinks in the future.

Dr. Komarovsky advises not to add a lot of sugar to cocoa. This kills the appetite of children.

The doctor also says that mothers often behave incorrectly, persuading the baby to drink a little more new liquid delicacy. In this case, the baby begins to be capricious and refuses to drink in the future. Let the baby drink as much as he wants.

Try offering your child a hot treat in a glass with a straw. He may enjoy sipping liquid through a straw. The unusual presentation delights children.

Many are also thinking about another popular drink - instant hot chocolate. You can find it on the shelves in most supermarkets. At what age can you give your child hot chocolate?

The correct answer is, the later the better. The fact is that instant hot chocolate contains a huge variety of additives. These are stabilizers, flavorings, and emulsifiers. The total number of ingredients can exceed 20. Such substances are harmful to any body, especially children.

There is also real (non-soluble) hot chocolate. Can I give it to my child? It contains hard chocolate and cream. The fat content of the finished product exceeds 40%, which is three times more than that of regular cocoa. Therefore, hot chocolate is not shown to children, the body of the crumbs does not react well to such heavy drinks. Better to wait until the child is over 10 years old.

A bit of history

Cocoa is an evergreen tree that belongs to the mallow family. It grows in subequatorial regions. However, this tree is cultivated all over the world. The word "cocoa" has several meanings. This term is called:

the fruits of the corresponding tree;
the powder obtained therefrom;
drink.

The first people to make a drink from cocoa beans were the Aztecs, a people who lived on the territory of modern Mexico. This drink was called "chocoatl", translated from ancient language- "bitter water".

The legend of the Aztecs tells of how the garden wizard Quet-Zalcoatl grew chocolate trees in his garden. Once, when pride struck him, he began to consider himself immortal. Then the gods punished the wizard, depriving him of his mind. Deprived of his mind, he destroyed all the trees in his garden. Only one thing remained untouched - the chocolate one.

In the 16th century, the conquistadors captured the palace of the Aztec emperor and plundered it. The pantry buildings were filled with dried beans from a tree unknown to the conquerors. When the conquistadors returned to their homeland, they handed over the find to the king of Spain, as well as the found recipes for making a magic drink. Later, the beans of the "chocolate" tree spread throughout Europe, and factories for the production of cocoa were opened in Spain.

Initially in Europe, this amazing drink was drunk exclusively by members of royal families. It was considered particularly exquisite and expensive. And only by the middle of the 18th century, cocoa and chocolate became widespread among ordinary people... The drink has won the hearts of children and adults for many years.

Currently, the production of cocoa beans has moved to the African continent. Grow "chocolate" trees in Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria. Beans began to be exported from Africa to Europe at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The first Rountree End Company Limited chocolate factory was opened in Great Britain, branches of which subsequently began to appear in Ireland, Canada, Australia and Holland. V Russian Empire the history of cocoa dates back to the middle of the 19th century.

Since childhood, we and our ancestors have been familiar with the taste of a rich hot chocolate-colored drink. We associate it with the warmth of the hearth and the care of loved ones.

Morning cup of cocoa with milk needs no advertising. The drink has long earned the reputation of being nutritious and healthy, which brings fond memories of childhood to many. But in the desire - to offer the baby cocoa - the parents are stopped by the risk associated with a high probability of allergies. So at what age can you give your child cocoa so that the drink will only benefit?

The nutritional value of the product is determined by the composition rich in vegetable proteins, fats, carbohydrates. In addition, cocoa for children can offer:

vitamins (B6, B9, B12, PP, A, E);
minerals (zinc, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, fluorine);
flavonoids (flavonol);
alkaloids (theobromine);
fiber;
tannins (tannins);
pigments (melanin) and aroma components.

The inclusion of cocoa in the children's menu diversifies the diet, introduces new taste sensations and helps:

the growth and formation of bone tissue and teeth;
normalize the function of hematopoiesis;
improve mood and deal with stress;
withstand physical activity and quickly recover from them;
protect from ultraviolet radiation;
satisfy the feeling of hunger;
strengthen the immune system;
increase mental performance.

Cocoa is recognized as one of the best sources of natural antioxidants: the polyphenols contained in beans are retained in the same amount after processing in powder and drink. Flavonol is a significant representative of polyphenols. It protects against free radicals, malignant cell growth and numerous diseases.

Potential harm and side effects

The biggest harm that a drink can cause to a child's body is allergies. It occurs with a persistent frequency of 3-5 years and persists until school age, and sometimes for life. The reason is often cited vegetable proteins cocoa and pesticides, which treat beans from multiple pests.

With impaired metabolism, the purines that make up cocoa can cause excessive formation of uric acid and its salts, which affects kidney function. In this case, contraindications persist even in older school age.
The ability of the drink to tone up and have a stimulating effect limits its intake in very active and easily excitable children. For the same reason, children are not recommended to drink it in the evening or at night.
High calorie content and high fat content exclude the product from the diet of overweight children.
Tannins (in particular, tannins), with regular use of the drink, provoke stool retention up to frequent constipation.

At what age can you give?

Why not earlier?

Early acquaintance, especially at the age of one, will not be beneficial and, rather, will harm. Remember: the drink often causes allergic reactions, and the younger the child, the higher the risks.

The product contains theobromine, the effect of which on the nervous system leads to overexcitation. At the age of one, the processes of inhibition and excitation are still unstable. Even a small portion can break the delicate balance.

The composition of the product can cause disturbances in the digestive tract. The most common manifestation is constipation, which is a serious problem in yearlings.

There is no point in rushing to introduce a new drink into the diet of a child who, due to his age, absolutely does not need it. In the menu of a child from 1 to 3 years old, there is always an equivalent and safe alternative.

Dating rules

The first acquaintance with the drink requires caution and adherence to the mandatory recommendations:

Only cocoa and no new products. On the first day, new products for the child and those for which allergy symptoms have already been noted should not appear on the menu.
Choose morning time for the first sample. Better after taking breakfast. There will be a whole day ahead to monitor the child's condition.
Offer a freshly prepared drink at small amount... For acquaintance, 10-15 ml will be enough, which is equivalent to 2-3 tsp.

If the child reacted well to the first test, later you can proceed to increasing the amount by one dose. In case of a negative reaction with the appearance of a rash, itchy pink spots or puffiness of the eyelids, the product will need to be abandoned for a while. The second attempt will be possible by the age of 5-7 years.

How often can children drink?

From 3 to 5 years old, a child is offered a drink in a small amount - up to 50 ml per day for breakfast and no more than 2 times a week. A late intake is not recommended due to its tonic and stimulating effect, which leads to a violation of night sleep.

From 6 to 10 years old, you can give up to 100 ml of the drink per day and up to 4 times a week. By the way, cocoa cooked in milk solves the problem of a child's refusal from dairy products for breakfast.

After 10 years, it is allowed to have cocoa every day on the breakfast menu up to 150-200 ml per meal.

Tasty and healthy cocoa doesn't come from a bad powder. A few tips for choosing a quality product will help you avoid disappointment:

The higher the fat content of cocoa, the better the taste (15% or more).
Indicating on the label that the cocoa beans are grown in Indonesia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador or Malaysia increases the chances of acquiring a worthwhile product.
The best product from a European manufacturer can be bought in eco-shops or online stores with good reviews.
The contents of the package must meet 3 criteria: chocolate flavor without additional odors, brown color (dark, not whitish), no lumps.

The secret is in the right preparation

The traditional cooking method will require 20 minutes of mom's time and a small set of ingredients: 1.5 tsp each. cocoa powder and sugar, 250 ml of pure milk or diluted in half with water (it is allowed to use both homemade and pasteurized or fat-free). 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.

Mix sugar and powder in a wide cup.
Then pour a little warm water or milk (up to 2 tbsp. L.) And re-mix until smooth. The more thoroughly you mix, the less likely there will be lumps in the drink.
Milk is poured into a saucepan or stewpan and, stirring constantly, bring to a boil.
In a thin stream, stirring, slowly pour the contents of the cup into the saucepan.
Turn off the fire after 15-20 seconds from the beginning of boiling.

Culinary secret: to get a drink with a delicate foam and without milk film, which children do not like so much, you need to devote another 15 seconds to the contents of the pan, whisking it vigorously.

Cocoa or hot chocolate?

The chocolate taste of the drink makes you think about the preparation of hot chocolate with cream, which has similar components in its composition: cocoa, milk or cream. When choosing between two incredibly tasty drinks, do not forget about their benefits for the child's body.

Its composition is superior to cocoa in terms of fat and calories, and the addition of cream makes drinking even harder for the child's digestive system.
Most often, a finished packaged product with a certain content of sugar, vanilla, food additives is involved in the preparation of hot chocolate, the composition of which can no longer be influenced. Whereas high-quality cocoa is distinguished by its natural purity.

When it comes to cocoa powder, from the options offered by manufacturers, you can always refuse products with additives (vanillin, cinnamon, fruit essences, etc.).

Cocoa is a drink from childhood. Here the value is not only in taste - it is very useful for the body. It can even be given to babies from a certain age.

The benefits of cocoa for children

Fragrant cocoa in the childhood of modern mums and dads was an obligatory attribute of breakfast. They were often supplemented with lunches in kindergartens or schools. This happened because the drink has a number of useful properties:

Helps wake up;
Increases the production of serotonin, improves mood;
Accelerates blood circulation in the brain, which has a positive effect on performance;
Strengthens the heart;
In general, it has a beneficial effect on the body, improves health.

These effects are possible due to the rich composition of the product.

Composition and nutritional value

This powder contains many benefits for human body microelements are:

Potassium;
Sodium;
Phosphorus;
Magnesium;
Iron;
Calcium;
Copper;
Vitamins A, E, B, PP.

Interesting. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants. That is why it is recommended to drink it hot - this way they work better. Chocolate, by the way, contains more of them. But it also contains more saturated fat. Because cocoa powder is healthier than chocolate.

How to choose natural cocoa powder

Powder for a drink is obtained as follows: cocoa beans are crushed, ground and squeezed out of them healthy oil... The remaining cake is crushed further, to a state of highly dispersed dust. It is used for making drinks, as well as confectionery. Now surrogates and instant drinks are being mass-produced (a vivid example is the Nesquik product).

The manufacturer promises: just dilute the powder with water or milk. But this is nothing more than a publicity stunt. The naturalness of a product can be determined by the following criteria:

Cocoa cannot be soluble; it must be boiled. What is diluted with water is an artificial mixture.
You should buy a non-alkalized product (look for a mark on the package). This means that it has not been artificially improved or enhanced aroma and taste. Alkalized powder is cheaper, but it loses most of its usefulness.
It is better to give preference to a variety with a fat content of 15%. This means that there is still useful oil left in it. There are powders with a reduced fat content of 8%, but they are less useful.
The quality of cocoa powder is determined by its rich chocolate brown color, bright aroma, and characteristic bitter taste.
There should be no lumps in it, its structure should be uniform.
Rubbing a pinch of powder between your fingers should leave a greasy brownish coating on your skin. This suggests that the product is natural, not a fake.

How old is cocoa allowed

Many mothers are interested in the age at which a child can be given cocoa. Doctors categorically forbid his babies up to a year. A one-year-old toddler should not be given such a product either - it is a strong allergen. Therefore, doctors advise to postpone acquaintance with this drink until two years or even older.

How to make milk cocoa correctly

Mom needs to know how to properly cook cocoa for a child. Children will not drink a drink with lumps or a nasty film. In order for a healthy delicacy to always turn out to be successful, it is recommended to cook it according to the recipe below.

Recipe

To prepare a serving of cocoa drink you will need:

1.5 tbsp powder;
1.5 tbsp granulated sugar;
100 ml of pure water;
150 ml of milk.

Prepare like this:

The free-flowing components are thoroughly mixed in a saucepan.
100 ml of pre-heated water is poured into the dry mixture in a thin stream. It is imperative to stir the contents of the saucepan without interruption. The future drink is put on fire and brought to a boil.
Milk is also warmed up in advance. After the water has boiled, it is poured into a saucepan too. Now you need to turn down the heat and carefully observe the broth. It is removed from the stove before it starts to boil violently.
Next, take a whisk and beat fresh cocoa until foam appears. This will avoid the appearance of a film on the surface, due to which children often refuse to drink the treat.

Note! Above is the basic recipe for the drink. You can vary the amount of sugar and cocoa depending on your child's preference. You can also diversify the treat with cinnamon, condensed milk, cream.

Acquaintance with cocoa for a child from a year

It was mentioned above at what age a child can be given cocoa - from two years old. However, if the baby is definitely not allergic, you can try to brew him a weak drink. Some doctors (including Yevgeny Komarovsky) advise using this method during the period of a cold or ARVI. Still, it is better not to rush things, wait two years or even three or four if the child is too excitable or prone to allergies.

How often to give

Babies up to about five years old are allowed to drink a cup of cocoa every other day, that is, 3-4 times a week, not more often. Children from five to twelve years old are allowed to use it daily. For a teenager, it is allowed not only daily, but also several times a day.

Quantity

The portions of the drink change with age. The norm for small children is 50 ml. For preschoolers and junior schoolchildren- already 100 ml. After twelve years, the volume of the treat can be increased to 150-250 ml per day.

What can be combined with

It is imperative to choose the right time to take this product. If the mom is going to feed her baby breakfast, you can give him a serving in addition to the meal. During the day, it is recommended to make cocoa less concentrated, in the evening it is better to refuse this drink altogether.

Cocoa is often used for a sweet table. Then, taking into account the treats, you should put less sugar in it. It is customary to serve this drink with flour products. Many people like to combine its taste with a sandwich from white bread and butter or buns. In second place after starchy foods are other sweets, for example, marshmallow marshmallows (you can even add it to a cup of cocoa).

Possible problems

Despite its benefits, there are a number of contraindications for drinking a cocoa drink:

Allergy tendency. Cocoa beans are a strong allergen.
The kid is hyperactive or has a choleric temperament. Cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine, which have an exciting effect on children.
If the child is overweight. Cocoa is high in calories by itself. The presence of milk, sugar in the composition of the drink makes it an even heavier treat.
Do not drink before meals. The delicacy gives a feeling of satiety, interrupts children's appetite.
Not recommended for use in the afternoon. It is better to give cocoa in the morning when you need a boost of energy for business.
Drinking cocoa often can lead to frequent constipation.

Allergy Signs

The most dangerous problem that can arise from cocoa is allergies. Therefore, it is imperative to introduce this product into the children's diet little by little, a teaspoon at a time. The presence (or absence) of the following symptoms should be monitored:

Skin rashes - from pale pink pimples and scaly patches of dermatitis to Quincke's edema.
Stomach pain, indigestion, such as heartburn, colic. Blood may also appear in the stool.
Respiratory system problems: rhinitis (runny nose), attacks of bronchial asthma.

If one or more symptoms appear, be sure to stop giving your child cocoa and see a doctor immediately.

Important! In the event of such serious symptoms as Quincke's edema (sharp, strong and extensive swelling of the skin, mucous membranes, fatty membranes of the skin; it can reach asphyxia - difficulty breathing), an asthma attack, you must definitely call an ambulance.

Everything in life, including the choice of products, dosage, time of consumption, should be approached wisely, cocoa is no exception. Then it will bring maximum benefit and will not cause health problems. For a fragile child's body, this is especially important.

Video

Cocoa is a delicious and nutritious drink that fills the body with energy. This is a fairly high-calorie product, because 100 grams contains 400 kcal. Even a small cup will invigorate and cause a feeling of fullness. Many parents are interested in the question at what age you can give cocoa to a child. Pediatricians do not recommend giving the baby this drink until 2.5-3 years old.

Cocoa should not be given to children under the specified age. The drink contains a large amount of sugar and tannins, which can harm a small body. Moreover, it is a highly allergenic product. How to determine and what to do with food allergies in babies, see.

Benefit or harm

Cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine. These substances excite nerve cells, blood vessels and the heart. The use of such a drink by a child of one year or a little older will lead to overexcitation and sleep disturbance. The baby will sleep poorly and be nervous, cry and be capricious.

The product often causes allergies in babies, which manifests itself in the form of a rash and itching, redness on the skin and a runny nose. In addition, the child may experience nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and indigestion, and stool disorder.

At the same time, cocoa contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients. The drink contains vitamins of group B, A and E, PP, calcium and potassium, magnesium and other necessary elements. Cocoa has many useful functions:

Improves mood;
Relieves tension and stress;
Increases efficiency;
Helps to cope with physical activity and rejuvenates;
Strengthens and tones the body;
Heals and effectively suppresses dry cough, helps with colds;
Promotes weight gain, so the drink is useful for weak and thin babies, for children with underweight;
Normalizes skin condition;
Reduces blood pressure;
Cleans the body and removes harmful substances;
Stimulates blood flow to the brain.

If you give babies a high-quality natural drink in small quantities even after three years, it will only benefit. But if you give a drink to a baby at an early age or overdo it, this can lead to negative consequences... An excess of cocoa, as well as a product with artificial additives, causes heaviness in the stomach and, insomnia and overexcitement.

Cocoa rules for children

The optimal age for the introduction of cocoa in the child's menu is three years. But if the baby does not suffer from excess weight, hyperactivity and food allergies, the drink can be given at 2-2.5 years;
Start giving in small portions and be sure to monitor the baby's reaction for two to three days so that there is no allergy or other negative reaction;
The daily intake of cocoa for a three-year-old child is 150 ml (half a standard mug). You can drink a maximum of four servings per week. It is undesirable to increase the volume to a full mug up to 5-6 years;
It is better to drink the drink for breakfast or in the morning. The drink will give the necessary boost of energy, vigor and strength for the whole day. But before going to bed, on the contrary, it is undesirable, since cocoa excites the nervous system, and the baby will not be able to fall asleep;
It is not recommended to give the drink to overweight babies and kidney problems;
Drinks are given to children only when warm. A cold drink will not bring a positive effect, and a hot drink will burn the intestines;
Choose only natural products. Do not give drinks such as Nesquik to children. Nesquik and similar powders contain flavorings and high amounts of sugar, which are harmful to babies.

How to choose, store and prepare cocoa correctly

Natural cocoa should only be Brown color without flavors and other additives, without lumps and grains with the smell of chocolate and fat content over 15%. This product contains natural oil cocoa. Study the composition and expiration date carefully before purchasing.

A good quality powder should stay on the skin of your finger and not turn into dust. And when brewing, no sediment should form. Store the powder in a sealed container or package in a dark and dry place. Next, we offer a recipe for cocoa in milk, for the preparation of which you will need:

Milk - 250 ml;
Cocoa - 1 teaspoon;
Sugar - 1.5 teaspoon.

Stir in cocoa and sugar, add a little cold milk and stir well to avoid lumps. Put the rest of the milk on the stove. When it boils, pour in the prepared mixture and simmer for three to five minutes, while constantly stirring. Then leave the drink to infuse for 5-10 minutes.

Both children and adults adore chocolate drinks. They remind of childhood and magical days when they were allowed to be naughty and spend time without worries with their favorite toys. Parents know that babies love a sweet drink, but often they have a question: is it possible to give cocoa to children?

When the baby is several months or a year old, he feeds breast milk or special mixtures. But when the child is about 1.5-2 years old, the parents teach him with might and main to new products and tastes. Is the sweet drink on the recommended list? Maybe acquaintance with him should be postponed until better times?

In addition to sugar, cocoa contains tannins, theobromine and 40 essential aromatic compounds, the latter being considered strong allergens. If you nevertheless decide to accustom your baby to a chocolate drink, then it is better to stay on a natural product.

The emergence of cocoa

The evergreen "chocolate" cocoa tree grows in areas with a subequatorial climate and belongs to the mallow family. The ancient Aztecs, who once inhabited the territory of modern Mexico, were the first to prepare a drink from the beans. Over time, the fashion for a tonic drink spread to Europe, where people of the upper classes became its connoisseurs.

In the middle of the 18th century, cocoa became available to everyone and became a favorite drink of children and adults. Today "chocolate" trees grow in African countries, there are plantations in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana.

Useful and harmful properties

What kind beneficial features do you have cocoa?

the drink is rich in trace elements, vitamins and minerals;
its formula contains protein, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid and fiber;
has a pronounced tonic effect;
due to the high calorie content, it is able to satisfy the child's hunger for a while;
useful for skinny children prone to anemia and thinness;
contains theobromine, a substance that suppresses the cough reflex for colds;
stimulates protective functions organism;
contains biologically active components and has beneficial properties;
helps to quickly recover from physical and mental stress.

But don't idealize cocoa contraindications he has enough:

If you overuse the chocolate drink, you will experience migraine attacks, constipation or heaviness in the stomach.
It is contraindicated for those who are allergic to cocoa, it should not be drunk often with increased excitability and sleep disorders.
Theobromine, which is part of the drink, is similar in properties to caffeine, which, to put it mildly, is not very useful for children.
In addition, cocoa with milk is contraindicated in children with impaired metabolism, as well as in diseases of the kidneys and liver, gout and other ailments associated with the synthesis of purines.

How old can you teach your child to drink?

At what age can you safely give your child cocoa? Dr. Komarovsky advises offering chocolate drinks to children who do not have any allergic reactions. They can be drunk no more than twice a week, and not earlier than the baby is at least one and a half to two years old. It must be remembered that cocoa is considered a high-calorie product, so it is contraindicated in overweight and obesity.

If we consider the question of how many years old children should be given a "chocolate" drink from the point of view of physiology, then the optimal age is considered to be 2 years. One-year-old baby does not tolerate innovations in the diet. Its digestive and excretory systems are imperfect and unstable. Pediatricians believe that his body does not contain enough enzymes to digest milk, and even more so with sugar. The transition to dairy products should be gradual:

First, the child is taught to milk, he is introduced to the menu about a year. First, it is diluted 1: 1 with water, then any milk porridge is prepared: semolina, buckwheat or oatmeal.
If after a couple of hours nothing has changed, the child feels well, and there is no allergy, which means he tolerates milk well.
The same procedure is with cocoa. How often is it given? At first, children are offered only 1-2 teaspoons, then ¼ of a small cup.
The dosage is gradually increased, but it should not exceed one cup per day for a 5-year-old child.

If you ignore the advice of doctors, the baby may have sleep disturbances, the tummy will swell and there will be all the signs of discomfort and malaise.

In the morning or evening?

Drinking cocoa at night is not recommended, because the milk drink contains caffeine, which excites the nervous system. If you drink a cup of invigorating drink in the morning, it will give you a boost of energy and positiveness for the whole day. Before going to bed, he will cheer up the baby too much and prevent him from sleeping calmly and serenely.

Do not forget that the chocolate drink is quite high in calories, because it contains whole milk and a significant dose of sugar. If the baby, cocoa drinker, active and mobile, a sweet drink will not harm him 100%. But even in this case, it is not necessary to give cocoa to the child before bedtime, so as not to prevent him from sleeping peacefully and getting a good night's sleep.

When deciding whether young children can drink cocoa, remember that it contains phenylethylamine. This amazing ingredient stimulates the synthesis of the hormone of joy endorphin, which uplifts mood and gives a feeling of happiness.

Choosing a quality drink

Having decided when it is possible, and at what age cocoa is recommended for children, it's time to find out how to choose quality product... When choosing, we pay close attention to the manufacturer and carefully study the label. The drink should not contain:

synthetic flavors;
preservatives;
artificial colors.

Moreover, its consistency should be uniform, without lumps and unnecessary impurities. High-quality cocoa is a finely ground powder, with fine, like dust, particles of a rich chocolate brown color. The product has a characteristic aroma and should not be whitish or gray... Store it away from sunlight in a sealed container and a cool dry place. Drink cocoa with milk, adding sugar to taste.

How to check the quality: video

Allowing a child to cocoa or not is a voluntary choice of each of the parents. Its benefits are proven and beyond doubt, but you shouldn't forget about the harm either. It is strongly discouraged to give a chocolate treat to children under the age of one and a half to two years. But even if the child is two or three years old and has an allergy, it is worth refraining from cocoa and other foods and drinks where there are allergens.