Chocolate: Friend or foe?
There really is no one that likes chocolate more than a toddler who has just discovered it! In this article we wanted to explore what are actually the benefits of eating chocolate (if any..) and the health effects to consider.
Considerations with chocolate consumption by little ones
Physical health:
Consuming chocolate causes transiently elevated blood glucose levels, which can be particularly concerning for children with diabetes, but can also have effects on non diabetic children. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming high levels of chocolate led to increased blood glucose levels in both healthy individuals and those with diabetes.
While transiently high glucose levels are not as harmful as consistently high glucose levels, they can still have negative effects on the body over time. For example, repeated episodes of postprandial hyperglycemia can contribute to the development of insulin resistance, which can lead to chronic hyperglycemia and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, transiently high glucose levels can cause symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination, which can negatively impact quality of life.
Dental health:
In addition to high blood glucose levels, consuming chocolate can also have negative effects on dental health. Chocolate is high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that consuming chocolate can significantly increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to increased formation of plaque and tooth decay.
Mental health:
Finally, consuming large amounts of chocolate can also have negative effects on mental health. Chocolate is often high in caffeine (as well as sugar), which can lead to increased anxiety and hyperactivity in children. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that consuming high levels of sugar can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adults.
Benefits of consuming chocolate
Despite the potential negative effects of consuming chocolate, there are also some effects that are not necessarily bad. Firstly, chocolate is high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that dark chocolate, in particular, is a rich source of antioxidants.
Consuming chocolate can also have positive effects on mental health. Chocolate contains a range of chemicals that can help to improve mood and reduce stress and overall can contribute to cognitive enhancements (following cocoa flavanols and methylxanthine) as per Scholey & Owen (2013). A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming chocolate led to increased levels of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of pleasure and well-being.
Choosing the right chocolate for your little ones
When it comes to choosing the best chocolates for children to eat, it is important to look for varieties that are high in cocoa and low in sugar. Dark chocolate is generally considered to be the healthiest option, as it is high in antioxidants and contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming dark chocolate led to improved insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals (vs. other forms of chocolate).
In addition to choosing dark chocolate, it is of course also important to limit the amount of chocolate that children consume - and also base this on the child’s age, weight and other medical and environmental factors. While chocolate can have many health benefits, it is still high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
In conclusion, while there are both advantages and disadvantages to children consuming chocolate, it is possible to enjoy this delicious treat in moderation. When choosing chocolate for children to eat, it is important to look for varieties that are high in cocoa and low in sugar, and to limit the amount of chocolate that is consumed. By doing so, children can enjoy the many health benefits of chocolate, without risking negative effects (when consumed in moderation!)
By Dr. Perkins
