Say “chocolate,” and most eyes light up, especially those of children. Its rich, sweet taste is a hot favourite with children, who love its various variants. As a parent, though, one is always concerned about the health risks. It will be worthwhile looking at the health benefits and risks that come with eating chocolates.

Before we get to that, here is some interesting trivia. Did you know that chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree? Its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. It was after the discovery of the Americas that the popularity of chocolates soared.

Health Benefits of Chocolates

Several studies have pointed to the health benefits of chocolates. However, many of these are indicative and need to be corroborated by extensive research. Nonetheless, it is important to take a look at the direction that they point in.

Let us begin at the beginning. Interestingly, a link has been found between chocolate consumption and fetal growth and development as per a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Netherlands Journal of Medicine published a review that pointed out that chocolate contains active phenolic compounds. This has further led to studies on how chocolate impacts ageing, positively impacts stress, and more.

Studies also show that chocolates’ antioxidant properties have a wide range of health benefits. These include reduced risk of cardiovascular issues and prevention of cognitive decline.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition points to the fact that chocolate helps reduce bad cholesterol. To that extent, it could support cardiovascular health.

Scientists have also pointed out that hot chocolate helps keep the brain healthy. Researchers have also found that hot chocolate helps improve blood flow to the brain. To this extent, the health benefits of chocolate include improved cognitive function. Chocolates, because of the presence of flavonoids, are also known to stimulate the brain’s hippocampus. In turn, this could result in improved memory and concentration. Speaking of flavonoids, they also prevent inflammation and improve blood clotting properties.

Chocolate is also known to contain substances that help with mood-regulation hormones, such as serotonin. To that extent, chocolate helps elevate your mood. The antioxidants present in chocolate also play a role in taking care of any free radicals within the child’s body and help prevent damage.

Chocolate consumption has also been seen to positively correlate with athletic performance, according to findings published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. This suggests that a little dark chocolate boosts oxygen availability.

Last but not least, as far as the nutritional value of chocolate goes, it contains milk, a source of supply for protein and calcium. Dark chocolate is also known to have high iron content.

Side effects of eating Chocolate

This is not to say that eating chocolates, especially for children, does not come with other risks.

First things first. Chocolate is high in sugar. If consumed in excess, it could lead to tooth decay in children.

The high sugar and fat content can also lead to obesity, which comes with several attendant issues. We are witnessing increased incidents of childhood obesity, and chocolate could be one of the factors involved.

Some research shows that chocolate could impact bone health.

Besides, some cocoa powders contain high cadmium and lead, leading to toxicity. The World Health Organisation places the maximum level of cadmium at 0.3 mcg per serving. Anything more than that comes with attendant issues.

To Sum Up

Research on the health benefits/risks of chocolate is developing. In the interim, therefore, we need to be cognizant of its likely benefits and hazards. It is better to err on the side of caution, particularly in growing children. If there is one word that can sum up the consumption of chocolate, it has to be moderation.

Pro tip- When giving chocolate in moderation to children, it will help to remember that because of its stimulants, chocolates are best avoided at night, or else they can interfere with sleep. Also, be sure to check the chocolate’s ingredients to ensure that it does not contain any ingredients that the child is allergic to. Ensure that consuming chocolates does not become a habit, pushing the child away from eating healthy food, which has several health hazards.

In making the choice of chocolate for the child, it will also be prudent to follow the below tips:

• In buying chocolates, stick to small sizes and limited quantities
• Look for chocolates that are low in sugar content. And high in cocoa content.
• Caffeine-free chocolates are also a good bet
• Consider looking for chocolates that are free from artificial additives.

Stay tuned to this space for more informative content. At Footprints Childcare, one of the largest chains of preschools and creches across the country, we are committed to the holistic development of children—be it physical, mental, or emotional. It is little surprise that parents look towards us as a preferred parenting partner. Our HighScope Curriculum is based on more than 50 years of

research on early childhood development and outline the experiences essential for developing the fundamental abilities that emerge during early childhood.