Dr. Nandini Mundkar, Child Development Specialist

Is coffee really a healthy drink for children?

It has been believed for long that coffee was detrimental to the health of a child, but recent research shows that a cup of coffee with milk can provide the ideal start for school children. Children have long days and alertness is crucial during the time spent in school. Coffee works as the right stimulant. It is healthy and keeps a child alert through the day. The results of a recent study by the Coffee Board, carried out by Bangalore Children's Hospital, substantiate this.

What was the study about?

The study tried to find out the coffee drinking habits of school going children. Some 2,000 children in Bangalore between the age group of seven and 16 were studied on their coffee drinking habits had their knowledge of the same. The results showed that 80 per cent of them did drink coffee in the required amounts and it was a normal daily routine they followed at home. Of them, 20 per cent had started before the age of three.

Are there any other benefits of coffee?

A study in Brazil has shown that children who have been drinking coffee have fewer chances of getting addicted to serious narcotic substances like LSD or brown sugar later in life. Coffee is also an anti-oxidant and is good for the arteries and the heart; it is a broncho-dilator, making it good for people with asthma; it is good for the liver and can prevent cirrhosis and gallstones; it also is good for headaches.

Can one drink any number of coffees a day?

No, more than 3-4 cups a day can be bad and can cause nervous, rapid beating of the heart and trembling. Coffee must be consumed in moderation.