What kind of cocoa is better to give to children. When can you give your child cocoa: how to choose and cook. When is the best time to drink cocoa - in the morning or in the evening?

Cocoa is a drink with a unique taste and reminiscent of childhood. Its excellent aroma allows you to plunge into memories and feel the warm hugs and smile of your mother. As you know, kids are not indifferent to chocolate drinks, but parents often think about the age at which cocoa can be given to children. After all, such drinks are recommended to be introduced into the diet with extreme caution, since if there are contraindications, a chocolate drink contributes to allergic reactions and disruption. gastrointestinal tract. But following the basic recommendations for drinking the drink will help dispel all doubts.

in baby's diet

According to experts, you should carefully consider the dosage of cocoa for children. At what age you can give it - a very individual question. For children who are not prone to allergic reactions, the drink is shown from the age of two, but as a rare treat. And it is best to introduce a chocolate drink into the diet no earlier than three summer age.

It is worth thinking carefully about whether it is worth experimenting and offering the child a drink ahead of time. It is necessary to worry because of the presence in its composition of a huge amount of sugar and aromatic substances, which obviously will not benefit children.

Parents should carefully consider the choice of product, on which the state of health of the baby will depend. After all, the solution to the problem associated with the age at which cocoa can be given to a child requires special care. The thing is that, as already mentioned, this product contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to determine that the child's body correctly perceived it.

It is advisable not to overdo it and give the baby no more than two cups of drink per week. It is recommended to increase the amount of consumed product only after 6 years. But at the same time, you should not drink it more than 2 small cups at a time. And after the age of ten, you can drink the drink daily. At the named age, the maximum amount of cocoa is calculated based on the proportion of 0.5 grams per day per kilogram of weight.

Try to give your baby a drink in the morning so that the invigorating effect of it does not prevent the baby from falling asleep at a quiet hour or in the evening.

Drink Features

During the preparation of the diet, it is important to determine at what age a child can drink cocoa. This is an invigorating drink that works on a par with an antidepressant and helps fight anemia due to the presence of iron, zinc and folic acid.

Despite the advantages, chocolate drink has some disadvantages. As you know, cocoa beans contain a small amount of purine, which helps the body process proteins, and is also actively involved in the regulation of metabolic activity. But with an excess of this substance, uric acid accumulates, which can lead to the development of diseases of the urinary system.

Of course, you can, and should, give cocoa to children, but you should definitely be guided by common sense. Do not forget that the child's nutrition should be balanced.

Benefits for baby's health

At what age can cocoa be given to children is a rather urgent problem, its solution requires a special approach. The named drink in the diet is not healthier than fruit drinks, natural juices or compotes, due to the lack beneficial vitamins and minerals necessary for the child's body. But it also has undoubted advantages with strict adherence to the dosage:

• If the children do not want to eat in the morning, then a glass of drink will perfectly satisfy their hunger for a while.
• Theobromine in the composition contributes to the suppression of the cough reflex. During an illness, a child can be given warm cocoa, which will soothe a painful dry cough.
• Due to the tonic effect, the child's body endures physical activity, increases endurance.
• The unique aroma and rather pleasant taste help to improve the mood of the baby.

If no contraindications have been determined by the doctor, then the prescribed dose of cocoa per day will not be superfluous.

We take precautions

We repeat that, despite the addiction of children to cocoa, you should be careful with this drink. The presence of caffeine in it often causes allergies in children. And this is the main drawback, because of which most parents wonder what age cocoa can be for children. Such a fragrant drink is sometimes contraindicated even for children in school age. As doctors advise, you need to refrain from preparing it in the following situations:

• with obesity;
• in violation of the kidneys.

This drink is also contraindicated for hyperactive children.

If, after eating cocoa, a rash or itching develops on the child’s skin, it is recommended to immediately consult a pediatrician who will tell you whether to use the treat in the future.

Constipation in a child associated with the inclusion of cocoa in the diet is not excluded, therefore, introducing New Product nutrition, it is advisable to monitor the baby's stool. Sometimes you may encounter headaches caused by the use of a chocolate drink.

If parents have some doubts about the age at which cocoa can be given to children, then it is necessary to consult a doctor. Taking into account the peculiarities of the development of the child, the specialist will give all the necessary recommendations.

The best time for cocoa

According to experts, it is advisable to give cocoa to a child in the morning. As you know, such a fragrant drink contains a large percentage of caffeine, which gives a boost of energy for the whole day. Therefore, in order not to disturb the child's sleep, drinking cocoa before bedtime is highly discouraged.

Cocoa is a very high-calorie product that is prepared with whole milk with the addition of sugar. So, its excessive use can lead to fullness. However, if the child is active, then the drink will obviously not harm him.

It should be noted that cocoa contains phenylephylamine, which contributes to the production of endorphin - the hormone of joy. As a result of this, one cup of a delicious and fragrant drink noticeably improves mood.

Recipe for a delicious drink

To prepare cocoa for a child, you must use an exclusively natural product. Real cocoa powder should have no additives, have a rich brown tint and a light chocolate flavor. Be sure to pay attention to its fat content, which should not exceed 15%.

You should not think about at what age cocoa with milk can be given to children, as it is a valuable product enriched with vitamins and useful trace elements. Although some children do not digest lactose well, so sometimes young mothers boil cocoa in water.

The recipe for making cocoa for children will not cause any special problems. You must use the following set of products per serving of chocolate treats:

• milk - 150 g;
• cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon;
• sugar is added to taste or not added at all.

It is advisable to mix sugar with cocoa powder in advance to avoid the formation of lumps. In a metal ladle, heat the milk and bring it to a boil. Then pour in a mixture of cocoa and sugar, mixing everything thoroughly. The drink should be boiled for 5 minutes, after which it is necessary to let it brew for 10 minutes.

Classic recipe

Cocoa in a child's diet is an excellent option to diversify the menu. Therefore, having learned at what age children can have Nesquik cocoa or any other, and having found out that there are no contraindications to this, include it in the baby's diet.

To prepare a classic drink, you must follow the proportions: 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder per 1 liter of water and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. In addition, the proportions can be changed depending on the individual preferences of the child.

Finally

According to Komarovsky, at what age children can have cocoa, it is definitely impossible to say. Of course, despite a number of contraindications, the drink is useful and in certain quantities will not harm the child. If you do not abuse it, then your baby will enjoy a fragrant and very tasty treat without risk to health.

Favorite children's drink has a pleasant chocolate taste, brings great benefits to the body. So that the use of treats does not bring harm to the child, it is necessary to follow the daily dosages and the rules for introducing them into the diet. Cocoa for children should be of high quality, you should not buy a product of a dubious brand.

The benefits of cocoa for the body of children are due to the high content of bioactive compounds and nutrients. The composition of the product includes:

• retinol;
• tocopherol;
• B vitamins;
• mineral elements - calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium;
• proteins;
• flavonoids;
• tannins;
• cellulose;
• polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Cocoa is a rich supplier of antioxidants to the body. Moreover, these compounds remain in the drink after thermal exposure. They destroy free radicals, thereby reducing the likelihood of the spread of malignant cells.

• stimulation of the formation of endorphin - a hormone that improves the emotional state;
• satisfaction of hunger;
• getting rid of dry cough with a cold;
• replacement of milk, the use of which the child refuses;
• improving brain performance, getting rid of the effects of stress and overwork during study;
• restoration of muscle tissue after physical training, sports activities.

Harm of cocoa for a child

Cocoa can bring both benefit and harm to the child's body:

1. If there is a tendency to allergies, then the drink can cause an allergic reaction, accompanied by itchy skin rashes, swelling of the face. In this situation, it is urgent to contact a pediatrician.
2. The product contains alkaloids, caffeine and theobromine. When consumed in excess, they have a stimulating effect on nervous system.
3. If a parent gives a child a treat at night, the child will not be able to sleep. This is due to the energizing effects of caffeine and phenylethylamine. Therefore, it is better to give cocoa to children in the morning to fill the body with energy and ensure a positive attitude.
4. It has a fairly high calorie content, so it is not given before meals. Otherwise, the baby may refuse the main dishes.
5. With frequent use, the drink can become a migraine provocateur.
6. Also, the frequent inclusion of chocolate treats in the menu often causes constipation.

Who is cocoa suitable for?

From how old you can give a sweet drink depends on the predisposition of the child's body to allergies. If there is no tendency to allergic reactions, then it is allowed to give cocoa to a child at 2 years old. But pediatricians indicate a different figure, from what age you can safely give cocoa to a child - from 3 years old. At this age, the children's digestive tract is already able to digest a plant product with fiber and a high concentration. nutrients.

A one-year-old baby will be harmed by a drink, it can provoke a severe allergic reaction. And with a decrease childhood the likelihood of a negative reaction increases.

The product is a source of theobromine, which has an exciting effect on nerve cells. If at an older age the effect of a substance is manifested by short-term overexcitation and hyperactivity, then a one-year-old baby, in whom the functioning of the nervous system has not yet been established, can get a serious disorder.

If you give a drink to a baby at 1 year old, then with a high probability the work of the digestive tract will be disrupted. There will be constipation, which is difficult for a baby in a year. Cocoa is not an indispensable product, it does not contain useful substances that the baby would not receive from other food sources.

Saying at what age you can safely give cocoa, pediatricians pay attention to the daily and weekly intake of the drink:

1. Children 3–5 years old eat a treat for breakfast, 50 ml per day, no more than 2 times a week.
2. It is impossible that at the age of 6–10 years, babies use more than 100 ml per day more than 4 times a week.
3. The daily portion for babies after 10 years is 200 ml. And cocoa can be drunk daily.

For the first time drinking should be extremely careful. On this day, the child should not eat any other new foods, as well as food that has previously caused allergies. It is advisable to give the child a new drink in the first half of the day, and then the parent will be able to control how the child's body reacts to an unusual treat during the day.

For the first sample, you should offer a small portion of the drink - 2 teaspoons. If there is no negative reaction, then in the following days you can drink cocoa as much as pediatricians allow according to age.

If an allergic rash appears, the face is swollen, then the inclusion of goodies in the diet will have to wait. At what age can cocoa be given to a child prone to allergies, the pediatrician will say, but usually the test is postponed to 5-6 years.

When a child should not drink it

Parents should take into account, including cocoa in the menu, not only from what age the drink is not harmful, but also under what pathologies it is impossible to treat a child with a chocolate treat:

1. Baby cocoa is prepared with milk and sugar, which increases the calorie content. Therefore, it is not included in the menu if the baby is overweight.
2. Due to the content of purines, the drink is not consumed by children suffering from kidney pathologies.
3. There is little caffeine in cocoa compared to coffee. But the concentration of the substance is enough for the children's nervous system to become excited. Therefore, chocolate delicacy is contraindicated in hyperactivity and choleric temperament. Pediatricians also doubt whether cocoa should be consumed with a tendency to depression.
4. Cocoa beans are saturated with fiber, the drink is prepared with sugar. Therefore, they are treated with caution to children prone to constipation.
5. A tendency to allergies is not the case when you can include a chocolate treat on the menu.

The drink will not be useful if made from low-quality powder. To choose a good product you should follow the tips below:

1. The drink will be tastier if it is made from cocoa powder, the fat content of which is from 15%.
2. To find out which cocoa powder is of high quality, you need to look at the package, who is the manufacturer. The best suppliers are Peru, Colombia, Indonesia, Ecuador. Do not buy a Chinese product.
3. The powder should smell pleasantly of chocolate, have a rich brown color without whitish inclusions. It should be crumbly, without lumps.

• a pleasant smell is created by flavorings;
• the solubility of the product is due to a special manufacturing method, during which the useful composition cocoa beans;
• the volume of cocoa powder in the product is only 16%;
• the composition contains vitamins and mineral elements, but they are synthetic;
• although the manufacturer does not specify, the drink is made using GMOs.

Therefore, it is better to brew a chocolate drink on your own. The recipe for cocoa with milk is simple, the preparation time takes 20 minutes.

• 1.5 teaspoons of cocoa powder;
• a glass of low-fat milk;
• 1.5 teaspoons of sugar.

If the milk is fatty, then it is advisable to dilute it with water in a ratio of 1: 1.

Preparing cocoa for a child classic recipe in the following way:

1. Mix cocoa powder and sugar. Add a couple of tablespoons of milk, stir until a homogeneous consistency and the disappearance of lumps.
2. Milk is poured into a bowl for cooking. Put on the stove, wait for the boil.
3. Gently, stirring constantly, pour the chocolate-milk liquid into the milk.
4. Turn off the fire after about 20 seconds from the moment of boiling.

If the baby does not like cocoa with milk foam on the surface, then during the indicated 20 seconds it is necessary to beat the liquid with a whisk.

If the baby is sick, he has a dry cough, then a hot drink with cocoa butter can help. The main benefit of this delicacy is the content of theobromine. The substance promotes expectoration, stimulates the release of sputum. Also, ascorbic acid is present in cocoa butter, which strengthens the immune system, helping to quickly cope with a cold.

For cooking take:

• a tablespoon of milk;
• a teaspoon of cocoa butter.

The oil is immersed in milk. The dishes are placed on a steam bath, kept until the oil dissolves. A sick child should drink hot medicine 6 cups a day until the dry cough disappears.

A chocolate drink enriched with vitamin C is useful for a schoolchild. It supports the immune system and helps prevent seasonal colds. For cooking, take 2 tablespoons of powdered cocoa, 3 tablespoons of rosehip syrup. Put everything in a blender, pour in a glass of milk, beat.

Chocolate drink is good for the child's body, is a rich source of vitamins and nutrients. So that the delicacy does not bring harm instead of good, you need to consider how to cook it correctly, from what age you can give it to children, what is the daily portion.

Cocoa for many adults is associated with childhood, mother's care and warmth. And it is not surprising that mom wants to treat her growing child to such a delicious drink. In order for the baby to receive only pleasant emotions and benefits from him, you should know how many months it is allowed to try such a drink, what are the benefits and harms, and also how to cook it for the child.

What is cocoa

A drink called "cocoa" is made from the fruits of an evergreen tree with the same name. It was first brewed by the ancient Aztecs, who called it "bitter water". When the fruits came to Europe, a drink from them was brewed only for royalty. Only in the 18th century ordinary people began to drink it. Now beans for the manufacture of cocoa powder are grown mainly in Africa, and the drink is distributed throughout the world.

What is useful

• The child will receive valuable proteins, fiber, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, vitamin B9, iron and other substances.
• Stimulates the synthesis of endorphins, thanks to which cocoa improves mood.
• Rich in polyunsaturated fats, important for the formation of cell membranes. These fatty acids reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• It attracts with its pleasant chocolate taste and perfectly satisfies hunger. It is useful to give thin children.
• Theobromine in the composition is able to slightly inhibit the cough reflex, therefore, the drink is recommended for dry cough that torments the child.
• If the baby refuses milk, then cocoa will help to get out of this situation without conflicts, because for its preparation they usually use a recipe for milk.
• The biologically active compounds that it contains have a positive effect on mental activity. Drinking cocoa in the morning will improve the student's performance and relieve stress from stress during lessons.
• It has the ability to accelerate the recovery processes in the muscles after exercise, therefore, such a drink is recommended for children attending sports sections.

Harm and contraindications

• Allergies may occur therefore, with a tendency to allergic reactions, acquaintance with such a drink is postponed to 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. When they appear, you should immediately stop the drink and consult a doctor.
• Acts as a source of caffeine and theobromine, whose properties are similar. These compounds in excess increase the activity of the child and excite the nervous system. For this reason, cocoa should be discarded with hyperactivity, as well as babies with a choleric temperament.
• Drinking cocoa at night can prevent a child from falling asleep.
• The preparation of the drink involves the addition of milk and sugar, so cocoa is quite high-calorie. This limits its use in overweight children.
• If you give it to a child before meals, the baby may refuse food, because the drink is quite satisfying.
• It is contraindicated in children who have impaired kidney function, and also have problems with purine metabolism.
• Too frequent use may cause constipation.
• The drink may cause migraine.

From what age to give children

Doctors do not advise giving cocoa to a one-year-old child, but they recommend trying such a drink for the first time only from 2 years old. Inappropriate use at 1 year is associated with an increased risk of allergies. In addition, excess sugar and increased activity of such little child also nothing. That is why the first cup should be offered to a two-year-old toddler or an older child.

The first serving should be a small amount of drink - just a few spoons. So the mother will be able to understand whether the child tolerates cocoa well or acquaintance should be postponed until the age of 3-5 years. If after the morning portion of the drink by the evening the child does not have a rash on the skin and other signs of allergy, the next time the volume of the product can be doubled. The portion increases gradually and very carefully up to the age norm.

How much can a child drink

At the age of 2 to 5 years, the optimal serving of cocoa per day is 50 ml, and the frequency of drinking the drink should not exceed 4 times a week. It is best to offer cocoa to children for breakfast. Let such a sweet drink be a rare treat at preschool age, and from the age of 6 you can drink it more often (even every day). A student under 10 years old can drink 100 ml at a time, and at an older age, the portion can be increased to 150-250 ml.

Komarovsky's opinion

Komarovsky calls cocoa a healthy drink for a child, but at the same time focuses the attention of parents that it acts as a source of energy. According to a popular doctor, there will be no harm from one cup of cocoa a day, but mom should remember that cocoa will increase the activity of the baby, so you should not drink this drink at night.

A short commentary from the doctor in the video below.

How to choose

How to cook

To prepare a delicious drink, pour 1.5 teaspoons of cocoa powder into a saucepan. Add the same amount of sugar and mix thoroughly so that there are no lumps. Pour in 100 ml of hot water and, heating over moderate heat with constant stirring, wait until it boils, then pour in 150 ml of milk (it should be preheated).

Lower the heat and continue heating the drink, removing it from the stove before the cocoa boils. Take a whisk and whisk the drink for 15 seconds until foam appears. So you mix the components more thoroughly and prevent the formation of a film (many children refuse such a drink because of it).

The proportion of sugar and cocoa powder can be changed according to the preferences of the child. Some people like a sweeter drink, while others like a more chocolatey one. If cocoa will be served with cookies or other sweet products, the amount of sugar in the recipe should be reduced. You can diversify the recipe by adding vanilla, cinnamon, condensed milk, baked milk or cream during cooking.

Child preschool age can drink it both warm and chilled. Some babies really like to feast on them through a cocktail straw.

For older children, you can make a dessert by pouring cold cocoa on a ball of ice cream and decorating with whipped cream and chocolate chips on top.

Schoolchildren during the cold season can be offered a cocktail rich in vitamin C, for the preparation of which you need to combine with a blender 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, a glass of milk and 3 tablespoons of rosehip syrup. In such a drink, you can also add any berries or fruits to taste.

Cocoa or hot chocolate

When a child has tasted cocoa and fell in love with this drink, many mothers have the idea to prepare hot chocolate for the baby from natural chocolate and cream, but this delicacy is less preferable for the children's menu, since the drink turns out to be very fatty, thick and high-calorie. Include it in the children's menu is not earlier than 10 years.

If we are talking about instant hot chocolate, which is bought in a supermarket, children do not need to get acquainted with such a drink at all. It is good if it happens as late as possible, because the composition of such a product includes many stabilizers, flavors, emulsifiers and other additives. These substances are not useful even for adults, so children do not need such “hot chocolate” all the more.

For information on when you can give cocoa to a child, and why it is considered safer than coffee or tea, see Dr. Komarovsky's program.

You will learn even more about the benefits by watching the program "Live Healthy".

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

Height and weight calculator

A cup of delicious cocoa can cheer up every child. However, you can start preparing a fragrant drink for children from a certain age. This article will help you figure out when is the best time to start giving your baby cocoa.

Beneficial features

Cocoa is one of the most favorite drinks for kids all over the world. Moreover, many adults like to enjoy this fragrant warming dessert. Cocoa is prepared quickly and simply, so even a schoolboy will successfully cope with cooking. Many modern pediatricians have recognized cocoa as quite healthy drink for kids. The vitamins included in the product allow the child to remain active and energetic for a long time. Also, these substances have a positive effect on the nervous system. However, when using cocoa, it should be remembered that in large quantities it can lead to overexcitation of the baby.

Scientists have found that cocoa contains components that favorably affect the work of all cells in the body - antioxidants. It is believed that they help reduce the negative effects of oxidative processes occurring in cells. Such an impact contributes to the fact that the likelihood of developing various diseases is significantly reduced.

Interestingly, chocolate drink contains natural theobromine. This component is able to influence the cough reflex and help reduce unproductive (“dry”) cough. Typically, this property of theobromine is used by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacture of drugs.

Cocoa is a fairly high-calorie and nutritious product. It contains relatively many dietary nutrients - proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Children's doctors recommend that parents remember this feature of the chemical composition of the product. Some kids love cocoa so much that they ask their beloved parents to cook it for them several times a day. Moms and dads should not indulge the baby in this. Cocoa, although it is a fairly healthy drink, but when consumed in large quantities, it can contribute to the development of undesirable manifestations. In particular, the baby will be more easily excited. That is why children's doctors do not recommend giving this aromatic drink to babies suffering from hyperexcitability.

So that the baby can fall asleep peacefully, pediatricians advise not to give him cocoa in the evening or closer to bedtime. The components that make up this drink can lead to the fact that the baby simply cannot fall asleep or that his sleep becomes shallow. Cocoa is a nutritious drink that is great for children who are underweight. The child drinks cocoa, as a rule, with great pleasure, as he likes the chocolate taste of this drink. Regular consumption of hot chocolate will help a child who is underweight to gain the necessary kilograms faster.

To make the process of weight normalization faster, it is better to cook cocoa for a baby in milk. You can also use recipes that include cream.

Caring parents of kids attending sports clubs often face the problem of compiling an adequate rational menu for their kids. After intense physical activity, the child needs to quickly and effectively recuperate. Cocoa is a drink that provides the body with enough energy it needs, and also promotes better recovery muscles after sports. That is why this drink is recommended to be included in the diet of young athletes.

Children's nutritionists also recommend drinking cocoa to schoolchildren. Modern kids not only attend school, but also study in several circles and sections. The load on the child's body is enormous. To cope with it, the baby must receive a sufficient amount of products that give him energy and energy for the whole day. One such product is cocoa.

Doctors note that drinking a cup of fragrant chocolate drink in the morning charges the child with positive energy, which he needs for successful activities throughout the day. Cocoa also contains components that increase stress resistance and performance.

Possible harm

Cocoa, unfortunately, can not always bring only benefits to the body. In some situations, the use of this drink can lead to unwanted manifestations. So, in babies who are hypersensitive to cocoa and even intolerant to this product, after drinking a chocolate drink, strong pain in the abdomen and even upset stool. In an extremely severe case, the child may even develop a disorder of consciousness.

When such dangerous symptoms In no case should parents of a child hesitate to seek medical help.

Another contraindication for the use of cocoa is the presence of an allergy in a child. Cocoa cannot be attributed to hypoallergenic foods. Unfortunately, the frequency of allergic manifestations after drinking this chocolate drink remains quite high. Allergists do not advise a baby who suffers from allergies to include cocoa in the diet. Allergy symptoms after eating cocoa usually develop within a few hours. However, in some cases, they can develop on the next day after drinking a chocolate drink.

Parents may suspect an allergy to cocoa if the following symptoms appear:

• the appearance of reddish, usually itchy elements on the skin;
• the appearance of swelling of the face or neck;
• a change in the behavior of the baby, he becomes more capricious and may refuse to perform his usual activities.

In case of allergic manifestations of the child, it is necessary to show the pediatrician. To cope with the violations that have arisen, doctors usually prescribe antihistamines. If a child develops after eating cocoa Clinical signs, then the use of this chocolate drink in the future should be abandoned and be sure to consult an allergist.

Subsequently, parents should carefully ensure that cocoa is not present in food, as its presence can provoke an allergic rash or more severe clinical manifestations in the crumbs.

Cocoa, especially boiled with milk or cream, is a very nutritious and high-calorie drink. That is why children's nutritionists do not recommend including it in the diet of babies who are overweight or obese. Many mothers are familiar with the situation when, after drinking a cup of cocoa before dinner, the child flatly refuses to eat. This behavior of the baby is quite simple to explain. Cocoa contains a lot of lipids and "fast" carbohydrates - substances that quickly suppress hunger. In order not to provoke the development of an eating disorder in the crumbs, specialists in healthy eating it is recommended to give him cocoa after the child has eaten the main dishes.

The use of cocoa can provoke a violation of purine metabolism. The likelihood of developing this pathology is somewhat higher in babies suffering from chronic kidney disease. The use of cocoa in this case is dangerous because it contributes to the excessive accumulation of purines in the body. This situation is also dangerous for the development of gout or even the formation of urolithiasis.

Composition features

People who like to eat cocoa have probably noticed that after drinking it, their mood improves quite quickly. This effect of the drink on the body is largely due to its chemical composition. Cocoa contains the following components that have a positive effect on mood:

• pyridoxine;
• cyanocobalamin;
• magnesium.

The drink also contains B vitamins, sodium, nicotinic and ascorbic acid, tocopherol, zinc, fluorine, calcium, iron, phosphorus and many other components useful for the human body. The composition of the drink may vary. Many modern manufacturers that produce chocolate drinks for babies add additional vitamin and mineral supplements to them. Such additives make cocoa not only very tasty, but also useful for the baby. One of the most popular drinks is Nesquik. Kids usually like not only the chocolate taste of this drink, but also the bright packaging.

How old can you use it?

Children's doctors, including Evgeny Komarovsky, do not recommend introducing this chocolate drink into the baby's diet too early. As a rule, it is allowed after three years. At an earlier age, the use of cocoa can provoke the appearance of various unpleasant manifestations in the child. Drinks fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as Nesquik, are more suitable for schoolchildren.

This drink has been known since ancient times: the Aztecs discovered that cocoa beans, ground into powder, have a pleasant taste and healing effect, so they were given to warriors for endurance and wound healing. Subsequently, cocoa became known in Europe, and then throughout the world. Now it is one of the most common and favorite products, because cocoa is allowed for children from the age of 3.

Cocoa butter and cocoa powder are by-products of cocoa beans. The beans are extracted from the pulp of the fruits of the chocolate tree, which reaches a height of more than 10 meters. Cocoa beans contain many useful substances, diverse in composition and effect on the human body.

These are trace elements and minerals: dietary fiber, vegetable protein, organic acids and oils, sugar, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and a vitamin complex of groups A, E, B, PP.

A drink made from cocoa powder is very nutritious, and the content of fats and carbohydrates is lower than that of chocolate. Bioflavonoids have a positive effect on cardiovascular system- reduce the risk of thrombosis, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, theobromine substance increases efficiency.

Cocoa promotes the production of serotonin - a substance responsible for the production of the hormone of pleasure, so when stressed or in a bad mood, it is useful to eat a few slices of chocolate or drink a cup of delicious chocolate drink.

Cocoa bean products have useful properties:

1. They have an antioxidant effect. Laboratory studies have shown that the substances contained in them are able to remove free radicals and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Contribute to the reduction blood pressure and in general improve blood circulation in the brain, which has a positive effect on the intellectual abilities of a person.
3. Stimulate metabolic processes in the body, lower the level of bad cholesterol.
4. Thanks to their nutritional content, they help restore strength after intense physical exertion and illness, and relieve muscle spasms.
5. Positively affect the elasticity of blood vessels, prevent the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques.
6. Saponified cocoa butter is used in a medical preparation for the treatment of joints (prevents the destruction of the cartilage layer).
7. In cosmetology, they are used as anti-aging procedures (chocolate wraps), added to creams, lotions, masks, etc.
8. In cooking, they are used by confectioners for the preparation of biscuits, creams, sweets.
9. Thanks to great content Zinc has a beneficial effect on men's health.

Despite all the benefits, a controversial issue arises when this product is included in . Some of them claim that when combined with cocoa milk, it increases lactation. But you should not abuse such a drink, because it is able to have an exciting effect on the nervous system of mother and baby.

At what age can children be given

Many parents are interested in - at what age can cocoa be given to children and in what quantity? Children's doctors and nutritionists consider the optimal age from which to drink this drink is three years, not a year or two.

Why is cocoa for children under 3 years old impossible?

Excess sugar, theobromine, which has a tonic effect, and other substances can cause an allergic reaction and nervous excitability. But if in the morning a one-year-old child does not eat well or refuses to eat at all, then it is allowed to give a small cup for breakfast, due to its nutritional value, cocoa will give energy and vigor to the baby.

Attention! You should start with small portions - 1-2 cups of 100-150 ml per week, preferably in the morning. The volume of the drink should be increased starting from the age of 6, but not more than 300-400 ml per week. Older children from 10 years of age and over can drink a drink daily in a cup of 200-250 ml.

Who shouldn't eat cocoa?

Despite the undeniable usefulness of the drink, cocoa consumption is limited or contraindicated for the following category of children:

1. Babies are strictly forbidden to feed cocoa, because they digestive system still immature and cannot process it.
2. Children who are prone to allergic reactions associated with food intolerance are not recommended to drink cocoa at an early age, optimally after 5-6 years, and in some cases it falls under a complete ban.
3. Babies with metabolic diseases (gout), kidney failure - the drink is categorically contraindicated.
4. The volume and frequency of intake of the drink should be limited to children who are overweight and have attention deficit disorder.

When is the best time to drink cocoa?

The best time to drink cocoa is in the morning. When else can you give your child cocoa? You can cook it for an afternoon snack or at any not too late time when you want it to be good mood. The substances contained in cocoa contribute to the production of hormones of joy.

The drink can be used to restore strength after illness and intense physical exertion (included in the diet of athletes). The recipe is: egg yolks mixed with sugar, add warm cocoa, heat, but do not bring to a boil and shake well.

Secrets of making cocoa

To make the drink tasty, healthy and nutritious, you need to know some tricks when preparing:

1. The powder often sinks to the bottom of a ladle or pan, so before pouring into a cup, you need to stir to get a drink that is even in consistency.
2. So that “foam” does not form after cooling, the drink must be stirred during the preparation process, preventing the formation of a film.
3. Before serving, cocoa can be beautifully decorated - sprinkle or add pieces of ice cream.

Cocoa brewed with milk is tastier and therefore the most popular drink.

To prepare you will need (for 1 serving):

• powder (no additives) - 1 tbsp. l.;
• milk or cream - 1 glass;
• granulated sugar - 2-3 tsp

Prepare as follows:

• milk is brought to a boil;
• in a container, cocoa powder and sugar are thoroughly mixed until smooth;
• add 2-3 tbsp to the mixture. l. warmed milk, stir;
• add the remaining milk;
• then boil over low heat and after complete dissolution of sugar, remove from heat and cool.

Vanillin, cinnamon and other ingredients can be added to cooked cocoa to taste. To make it not too high in calories, you can serve it with dry cookies (biscuits or crackers).

Instant cocoa

In stores you can buy ready-made mixtures of various trademarks, many of them are positioned as children's. The most popular among kids is Nesquik. The recipe for making an instant drink is simple:

1. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of powder into a cup.
2. Add hot water or milk and sugar (if it is not in the composition of the instant mixture).
3. Mix thoroughly and serve.

Cocoa or hot chocolate - which is healthier?

There is another delicious drink - hot chocolate. It can be soluble, but it contains additives - emulsifiers, stabilizers, which significantly reduces the benefits. A natural boiled chocolate drink is made from chocolate and cream, the fat content of such a drink is 40% or more, which significantly exceeds the cocoa drink in terms of calories. Therefore, it is better to refrain from frequent consumption of hot chocolate.

Both cocoa and hot chocolate are nutritious and delicious drinks with many health benefits. But you need to remember about the limitations and sense of proportion when using cocoa, including knowing how old it can be given to a child.