Side Effects of Tea and Coffee on Children: The caffeine in tea and coffee can negatively impact children's sleep, nervous system, and brain development. Learn about the risks of giving tea and coffee to children and what parents should keep in mind.

Tea and coffee harm children's health

In winter, parents often advise their children to drink tea or coffee to protect them from the cold. According to the Tea Board of India, tea is consumed in approximately 88% of households in India. Parents often think that if their children drink a sip or two of tea, it will not cause any harm and will also warm the body. If you are one of those parents, then this is a big mistake. Let us find out what harm giving tea to children can cause to their body.

Tea and coffee can disturb children's sleep

Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which refreshes the body. Along with caffeine, tea and coffee also contain small amounts of minerals and antioxidants. A chemical called adenosine is responsible for sleep in our bodies. When caffeinated drinks are consumed, the brain blocks the chemical receptor, preventing the release of the chemical. This leads to a feeling of sleeplessness. If children also drink tea or coffee, their sleep gets disturbed, and it has a negative impact on the body.

Bones may become weak

Children's bodies are developing, so bone health is crucial. Caffeine consumption impairs calcium absorption, which negatively impacts bones. Therefore, caffeine consumption can lead to bone weakness.

Sugar level increases

Sugar is used in tea. If children drink tea on an empty stomach, their blood sugar can suddenly rise, making them feel energized. When their sugar levels drop, fatigue, weakness, or mood swings can occur.

The risk of obesity may increase

Crunchy sugar levels can also increase children's appetite and lead to overeating. This can lead to obesity. Obesity in children is a risk factor for many diseases.

These symptoms are seen after drinking tea and coffee

Drinking tea or coffee can cause problems like dehydration, acidity, irritability, sleeplessness, and increased heart beat, lack of focus, addiction, fatigue, headache, weakness, memory loss and restlessness in children's body. So next time you give tea or coffee to children, think about these bad side effects once. Children who are taking ADHD medicines should not drink tea or coffee otherwise the effect of the medicine gets reduced. Avoid giving tea to children below 12 years of age.

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