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.
Cocoa in a cup
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 meals in kindergartens or schools. This happened because the drink has a number of beneficial 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 trace elements useful for the human body, these 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 contains more of them, by the way. But it also contains more saturated fat. Because cocoa powder is healthier than chocolate.
How to choose natural cocoa powder
The powder for the drink is obtained as follows: cocoa beans are crushed, ground and squeezed out of useful oil. The remaining cake is crushed further, to a state of highly dispersed dust. It is used for the preparation of drinks and confectionery. Now surrogates and instant drinks are being mass-produced (a vivid example is the Nesquik product).
Nesquik Powder
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 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.
Natural cocoa powder
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 properly prepare milk cocoa
Mom needs to know how to properly cook cocoa for a child. Children will not drink a drink with lumps or a nasty film. To make a healthy treat always 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. Be sure to stir the contents of the saucepan without interruption. The future drink is put on fire and brought to a boil.
- Milk is also heated in advance. After the water has boiled, it is also poured into a saucepan. Now you need to turn down the heat and carefully observe the broth. It is removed from the stove before it starts to boil strongly.
- 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.
Cocoa cooking
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 a cold or SARS. 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 years to twelve are allowed to use it daily. It is allowed for a teenager not only daily, but also several times a day.
Number
The portions of the drink change with age. The norm for small children is 50 ml. For preschoolers and younger students - 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 for taking this product. If 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.
Girl drinks cocoa
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 pair it with a white bread and butter sandwich or rolls. In second place after starchy foods are other sweets, for example, marshmallow marshmallows (it can even be added to a cup of cocoa).
Possible problems
Despite its benefits, there are a number of contraindications for consuming 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 and sugar in the drink make 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 frequently can lead to frequent constipation.
Signs of allergies
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 bumps 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, you should definitely stop giving your child cocoa and see a doctor immediately.
Child at the doctor's appointment
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 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.
