We all know how much kids love chocolates but do we know how much to give? Rahma Obaid Al Ketbi, Nutritionist at Belvas Belgian Chocolates tells you all you may want to know before you pacify your child with that bar of chocolate!
Chocolate is perhaps the world’s most favourite food. Whether you are happy, sad, excited, tired or plain bored, a bar of chocolate is usually all you need to feel better. We all love it and it’s no surprise that kids love chocolate too!
But how much chocolate is too much chocolate? What is the recommended intake? Is it really healthy for kids?
The health benefits of consuming chocolate are scientifically proven and a very small piece of dark chocolate 3 -4 times a week won’t harm your child’s health. In fact, adding a little cocoa to your child’s cup of milk or sprinkling a little bit on a piece of fruit may encourage your child to eat healthy foods that he/she may not like to consume otherwise.
A toddler should get no more than 13 teaspoons of sugar per day. This may sound like a lot, but sugar can be found in many food items and therefore adds up quickly. REMEMBER MODERATION IS KEY!
Did you know? Chocolate comes from a plant that is rich in nutrients. Dark chocolate contains minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, and selenium; it has antioxidants that help fight and keep diseases at bay. Dark chocolate is also known to improve memory and concentration.
Here are a few delectable ways to incorporate small amounts of chocolate into your kid’s meals and snacks:
Melt a bit of dark chocolate and then drizzle it onto anything from fresh fruit to popped popcorn
Blend a home-made chocolate smoothie by adding dark chocolate chips, few squares of chopped dark chocolate or whipping in unsweetened cocoa powder.
Bake a healthy chocolate cake using premium quality chocolate.
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Belvas Belgian Chocolates offers a wide assortment of certified organic and Fairtrade chocolates that are lovingly handmade with the artisanal craftsmanship of the Belgium chocolatier.
Belvas Belgian Chocolates are available at Milk & Honey – Dubai and Al Wahda Mall – Abu Dhabi or order for UAE delivery on +97126212111 or purchase@belvas.ae