Coffee lovers often wonder at what age they can give this drink to children. Coffee has a number of properties that make it not particularly suitable for children.
For a long time, it was believed that coffee has no beneficial properties and can significantly harm the health of those who consume it too often. Of course, coffee excites the nervous system, and some researchers generally equate it with a drug, but a cup of coffee contains a significant amount of useful substances.
American researchers have shown that regular coffee drinkers are much less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, liver cirrhosis and gallstones. Regular coffee consumption reduces the likelihood of getting Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Unfortunately, in addition to these positive properties, there are also negative ones. Coffee significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if you already have any heart or vascular problems.
Coffee promotes active excretion of calcium from the body, which can potentially lead to the development of osteoporosis. It should be noted that the child's body stores calcium until about 18 years old, after this age the human body only spends this supply, without being able to replenish it. Unfortunately, this drink affects the hormonal system, it affects the production of sex hormones, which can harm the child's body during puberty.
The stimulating effect of coffee is due to caffeine, the content of this substance in the drink is extremely high, which can cause a child to have sleep problems, increased excitability, and in some cases even hysterics. Coffee can cause stomach pain and heartburn in a child.
Coffee contains benzopyrene, a substance found in petroleum distillation products. Benzopyrene has a carcinogenic effect, first of all, it affects blood cells. There is not too much of it in coffee, therefore, it does not have a negative effect on the health of adults, but this amount may be enough for a developing body to cause negative consequences.
Based on the listed negative properties of coffee, it is advisable to exclude it from the diet of children at least up to 13-15 years old, ideally up to 18. An excellent alternative to coffee is cocoa, there is much less caffeine in its composition, while it contains a huge amount of useful microelements and vitamins. which contribute to the harmonious development of the child's body.
