5 Reasons Why Chocolate Milkshakes Are Not Good For Your Children

You may be tired of hearing these kinds of warnings about the dangers of certain foods from time to time. However, when these issues have to do with your children’s health, they become a little more relevant. Chocolate milkshakes, which every child loves, are not healthy for them.

As a parent, you have probably read about the nutritional ingredients that the little cartons of chocolate milk you put in their lunch box every day contain.

All of this may seem positive, but you know that there are also preservatives that maintain the look and texture of the drink. But is there anything else you are not told? In today’s article we want to explain this to you.

Carrageenan is something that is not recommended for children’s food

If you have never heard of carrageenan, we can tell you that they are a natural product made from different types of algae. Algae in dairy products? It is true. Despite being a natural food, you should know that the World Health Organization advises against giving these types of dairy products to your child.

This is because they:

• Changes their intestinal flora
• Causes indigestion
• Causes flatulence
• Leads to diarrhea

You may want to wonder what the recommended daily amount is for children so that they avoid experiencing these effects. So far, the health authorities have not come to a conclusion on this issue.

2. Chocolate milkshakes contain casein

No doubt you already know this information. Chocolate milkshakes are still dairy products, so they are rich in casein – a milk protein.

However, the effect of this protein on the body varies greatly from person to person, but in children the following effects are often observed:

• They irritate the intestines
• They affect the immune system
• They cause allergies
• They lead to eczema or bronchitis, all of which are affected by an allergy to this dairy product

Not all children have this type of allergy or reaction, but it is a fact that one should at least consider regulating their consumption.

3. Chocolate milkshakes contain too much sugar

You would not be surprised to hear that chocolate milkshakes contain sugar, but did you know that a 200 ml serving contains almost 30 grams of sugar?

That amount is way too high, and it’s even worse if your kids drink these drinks regularly.

• Sugar causes insulin resistance, so you run the risk of your children suffering from metabolic syndromes and diabetes.
• Sugar increases the concentration of bile in the stool and bacterial enzymes in the colon.

• Chocolate milkshakes contain corn syrup, a kind of sweetener. This product can cause liver damage in the long run.
• You risk having overweight children.

4. Chocolate milkshakes do not help your children by giving them stronger bones

It is common for the dairies that produce these types of beverages to promote their benefits to us consumers, with phrases like ” they promote bone growth ” or ” your baby’s bones get stronger .”

• This kind of information should be taken with caution and a certain amount of skepticism. The calcium found in this type of milkshake is not easily absorbed. In fact, it is more common that it is lost in the digestive process.

• Amy Lanou, director of the Nutrition Center of the Committee of Physicians for Responsible Medicine , points out that countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis are those where people drink more processed dairy products, ie. chocolate milkshakes of this type.
• Chocolate milkshakes are not a good source of calcium. Plain yogurt, or even calcium from vegetable sources, would be a better option.

5. Chocolate milkshakes sometimes do not even taste like chocolate

The taste is completely artificial. In fact, manufacturers often use chemicals and other aromatic elements reminiscent of chocolate without using the right ingredient. The same thing happens with other flavors, such as strawberry and vanilla.

It is common for these drinks to contain substances such as hydrolysed vegetable protein or monosodium glutamate. And another fact is even more troubling: food manufacturers do not have to reveal the ingredients they use to create these artificial flavors.

They are confidential recipes so they can compete with other brands.

This is what happens with Coca-Cola, for example.

There are healthier options than commercial chocolate milkshakes

• You do not have to give up dairy products, but it is worth consuming the healthiest ones you know, which have more calcium and which also take care of your children’s intestinal flora: you can make a smoothie using natural yoghurt and add a little cocoa powder and a little oatmeal. They will love it.
• Vegan milk substitutes are also a very suitable alternative solution.
• Another idea is to prepare natural juices at home.

In conclusion, we would like to point out that consuming chocolate milkshakes from time to time does not pose any major risk to your child. The danger is when these drinks become daily habits in your children’s diet.