How much chocolate is good for toddlers?

We all love chocolates and there is no point in complaining that your toddler also love chocolate. But, while considering the effects of chocolates on toddlers, it is important to know how much chocolate is good for your toddler. Eating a moderate amount of chocolate once in a while will not harm your toddler. There are many studies that show the health benefits of good quality dark chocolates and cocoa. This means that chocolates can give positive contributions to your toddler’s health.

But, generally we are not giving our toddlers these expensive high quality chocolates and they are taking sugary chocolates that are not good for health.  If your toddler prefers chocolates more than any other healthy snacks, it is time for you to stop it. Knowing the health effects of chocolate on toddlers is very important for all parents. Studies that are held on the effects of chocolate on toddlers will let you know how much chocolate is good for toddlers.

Most of the studies recommend that you can give chocolate to your toddler in moderate amount, if their diet is otherwise balanced. Health effects of chocolate may give lifelong problems to your child if taken in excess amounts as a habit. Here are some of the most important health effects of chocolate on toddlers.

Obesity: Obesity in toddlers is one of the common problems that we are facing globally. Obesity and its complications take the first place in the list of bad effects of chocolate on toddlers. This will result in many other associated problems.

Type to diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is not limited to adults now a day due to increased consumption of canned fast foods and chocolates. Too much intake of chocolate in long term affects insulin sensitivity. This will in turn lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Hyperactivity: The refined sugar present in the chocolates can enter the blood stream. This will cause a rise in the blood sugar level. This in turn causes a trigger for the production of adrenalin and your toddler can become hyper active.

Addiction: Regular consumption of chocolates can make your toddler addicted to this. This will make the condition a little difficult to handle. But, remember about the effects of chocolates on toddlers and take necessary steps to deal with the situation.

Increased urination: 5 mg of caffeine is present in one ounce of milk chocolate. Since caffeine has mild diuretic properties, your toddler will experience frequent urge for urination. This is one of the effects of chocolate on toddlers.

Allergies: There are many other substances added to commercially available chocolates. If your toddler is allergic to any of these, it may create problems. This usually happens if chocolate contains milk or nuts that are allergic to your toddler.

Rejection of healthy food: If your toddler gets addicted to chocolates or any other processed sugary foods, it will be difficult to make them opt for healthy and nutritious foods. This will ultimately affect their developments including that of the brain.

Sleep problems: Even though the amount of caffeine present in chocolate is low, this is one of the reasons for the effects of chocolate on toddlers. Caffeine in chocolate can cause sleep disturbances in your toddlers if taken in high amount.