WHAT CHOCOLATE DOES TO YOUR KIDS

• Introduction: Children and Chocolate  

  Childrens' feeding goes a long way than just giving them three square meals. Most children are known for chocolates and candies which in this regard,parents tend to  encourage that especially by celebrating the child's achievements and also as a way to foster the bond between them.

 

      Chocolate is primarily made from cocoa powder,milk and sugar.Cocoa powder have 50-60% fat content.From a calorific point of view,this can be a very good source of energy for a child.Whereas,the cocoa beans have a lot antioxidants which have disease preventing and anti-aging properties.This is safe when it's taken in moderate amount by older toddlers who are above 2years of age because of the caffeine content and probably some preservatives that can be harmful to the child and his milk teeth.

     As we know, everything that has an advantage also has its disavantage. 

• Health benefits of chocolate

Forging a bond between child and parent, helps incase of aversion to eating fruits,releases  endorphins chemical which makes them feel good and content for some time, improving mathematical skills because of its content of flavanol which is known to increase blood flows to the brain,serves as replacement for avoiding junk food and is loaded with soluble fibre and many minerals,lends to creativity and with a little bit of imagination and of course has an awesome taste.

 

      Parents can protect their children from the following side effects of chocolates:

• Side Effects of Chocolate

Obesity comes with complications that first take place in the list of bad effects of chocolate on toddlers.

Type 2 diabetes: consumption of canned fast food s and chocolates in the long term effects insulin sensitivity.This in turn leads to type 2 diabetes.

Hyperactivity: Refined sugar present in chocolates trigger for the production of adrenalin.So toddler can become  hyperactve.

Urination: Caffeine has mild duiretic properties which makes toddler urge for frequent urination.

Rejection of healthy food:Addiction to chocolates make them difficult to opt for healthy and nutritious foods.

Sleep problem: Even  though the amount of caffein present in chocolates is low,it can cause sleep disturbances.Chocolate is not likely to have a negative effect like soft drinks.

Teeth problem: Frequent and long term intake of chocolates without proper brushing of the teeth can result to tooth decay ,halitosis( bad breathe),and plagues(black spots),on the teeth.

Dysentry : The kid can develop stomach aches.

       Apart from the health related effects of chocolates on children, indiscipline can also be another effect in the sense that ,when they feel like taking it and no one to provide for them at the moment, they can end up stealing in order to satisfy their appetite.

•   Preventive measures to Chocolate consumption   

However,the precautionary steps to keep them away from these effects are:

Self discipline; parents should discipline themselves and their children on the amount and frequency of consumption.

Use fluoridated toothpaste.

Brush properly;up-down and not side ways.Brush atleast,twice a day especially last thing at night and after breakfast.

REMEMBER, PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!