Can children drink coffee and tea? Why it is not advisable
When the child reaches childhood, and when practically the child already eats everything, many are the mothers who wonder about whether it is right that the child can take or not coffee.
It is usual for, for example, the little ones (approximately from 6 or 7 years old) to take their coffee with milk in the morning at breakfast, or in the evening at dinner. But is this correct?
Different scientific studies have shown that taking caffeine does not produce negative effects or risks for the health of children. But, what is true about it?
Children and coffee consumption
Although it is true that there are many benefits of coffee, and that we particularly find in a good cup of coffee, it is true that there are no more or less clear opinions on a topic that, each time, worries many mothers: Can the children drink coffee?.
The caffeine It is an exciting that, taken in its proper measure (about three cups of coffee a day is considered a recommended and normal consumption), does not cause side effects. Moreover, it provides a series of very interesting virtues to activate the nervous system, "wake up" in the morning and prevent headaches.
Not in vain, although it is true that the human being does not require the consumption of caffeine to be able to live properly, its normal and moderate consumption is not related to a real risk to health, although there are always erroneous reports that indicate the opposite.
Understood this in the consumption of coffee by a child, it is true that it has no harmful effects, but its consumption is not at all recommended for young children.
Drinks with caffeine, excess sugar and children
On the other hand, when we talk about coffee we obviously do not just refer to the typical cup of coffee alone, or coffee with milk. And we must not forget that children usually consume the caffeine that cola soft drinks contain. However, this time we have a double problem: on the one hand, the excessive consumption of caffeine, and on the other, the incredible amount of sugar that this type of drink possesses.
In fact, a wide variety of scientific studies have found that children who consume one or more sugary drinks of just 355 milliliters a day are 60% more likely to suffer obesity over time.
In addition, it is extremely common that Caffeinated beverages contain empty calories; that is, calories that do not provide any nutrient, not providing the vitamins and minerals so necessary for the development of the child, exposing them in turn to suffer nutritional deficiencies.
Why it is not advisable for children to drink coffee
Although certain medical specialists indicate that drinking a cup of soft coffee with milk does not involve risks to the child's health, We recommend that children (regardless of their age) do not consume drinks rich in caffeine, as is the case with coffee (although also include the refreshing drinks of extracts, very consumed by the small ones despite their caffeine content).
In case of doubt, you can always ask your pediatrician, although there are also other alternatives, such as decaffeinated coffee, or a good glass of milk alone, regardless of the coffee itself.
Among other effects, excess caffeine especially in children (being much more sensitive), we can mention:
- Restlessness, nervousness and unease.
- Headache.
- Disturbances in the stomach
- Acceleration of the heart rate.
- Difficulty to fall asleep and to concentrate.
- Increase in blood pressure.
- It can contribute to dehydration.
And what about tea? Can the child drink tea?
Although many pediatricians and nutritionists recommend that children, especially those under 8 years old, do not consume coffee (in any case, coffee with milk, and always in a timely manner, never daily), the truth is that the tea It is characterized by containing a smaller amount in caffeine.
In fact, in certain cultures as for example is the case of the United Kingdom, there is a tendency to introduce the consumption of tea in children at an early age, so that there are families who even give their children tea after six months of age, to small sips.
However, It is a drink that causes a lot of controversy among specialists, especially because some scientific studies have shown benefits for the little one and also some not so positive effects.
For example, some of those negative studies have found that drinking a few cups of tea a day contributes to the reduction of calcium assimilation. Although it is a problem not worrying for the adult (especially for those who follow a varied and balanced diet), yes it becomes a problem for the child who is in full development.
On the other hand, other studies have found that tea is beneficial for tooth enamel It contains fluorine, which remineralizes and hardens the teeth. Of course, as long as you do not add sugar to the drink, because in this case your benefits would disappear completely.
Therefore, in the case of tea, it would be best not to exceed the cup of tea in young children, since apparently it would have no negative effect. However, it is always advisable to ask your pediatrician to leave doubts. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Pediatrician. We advise you to consult your trusted pediatrician. ThemesInfant feeding Coffee Tea
