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Due to the amazing properties found in cocoa, like flavanol, phenylethylamine, anandamide and caffeine, chocolate has been proven to have a positive effect on our brains, There is nothing more sweet, or delicious than the ultimate kids’ candy treat – chocolate. However, when it comes to kids they can’t get enough chocolate!
How much chocolate is healthy for our kids?
Giving Kids a Stress-Free Day
The chemical benefits of cocoa supported by scientific research on chocolate, also show how chocolate is an amazing stress reliever. The chemical anandamide is a synaptic stimulant which sends the message of well-being to the brain. It triggers the release of dopamine – “the happy hormone”, which makes us feel pleasure and relaxation. This is very useful for kids, especially when you know they have a stressful day ahead of them, or when they come home feeling edgy and tense.
Maintaining a Healthy Appetite
Because of the versatility of chocolate, incorporating, and even making it into an entire meal, can satisfy any growing-appetite. Dark chocolate with high cocoa percentage, contains one sixth of the recommended daily fiber intake. This means that healthy recipes containing chocolate can sustain a balanced diet. It also regulates the amount of fat entering the body, because chocolate contains natural fats that are burned more easily. A well-rounded meal centering on chocolate, relates a message to the brain telling it that, once the meal is done, you are full. Ultimately, this keeps your kids’ appetite steady, making them feel hungry only during meal time.
Energizing the Growing Body
Cocoa is nature’s own energy-booster. Theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate, are both psychoactive chemical stimulants that improve the speed of neurotransmitters. This affects the way messages are being sent from the brain to our body, helping with the overall cognitive development, especially in kids. Taking a single quality chocolate cube in the morning, on its own or with fruit, can give kids enough energy to make it through to lunch, without the need for sugar, or a substantial breakfast.
In Conclusion, it is important to remember that chocolate is a truly beneficial condiment that can help your kids develop. But like with any other food, you need to provide them with the right, quality product, and keep it moderate. Once you achieve this, kids can enjoy their favorite delicacy, and be healthy and strong individuals during the most crucial years of their development.
