Chocolate works wonders!
Chocolate is a confectionery product made from cocoa mass, cocoa butter or other vegetable fat, sweetener, and other additives, and in the case of milk chocolate also from milk. We all know not to eat too many sweets. However, some are worth eating. One of them is chocolate. Today we will devote a moment to this divine product.
Is it healthy?
But let’s start perversely from the end so that later we can only focus on praising chocolate. Are there people who should not eat chocolate? Yes, of course! Like everything, chocolate has its downsides. People with diabetes and kidney disease should be careful about chocolate. In addition, chocolate can trigger migraines, heartburn, and constipation. It is also a very strong allergen. Consumed in excessive amounts, it can cause obesity.
Research shows that we will find a total of over 600 substances in chocolate that have a beneficial effect on our health. These include magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, niacin, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, E, and omega-6 acids. There is a lot of calcium in milk and white chocolate. Dark chocolate is considered the healthiest.
We’ve all probably noticed that our mood quickly improves after eating chocolate. The carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium, and iron contained in chocolate immediately increase our concentration. Do you reach out for chocolate when you need an energy kick? Many people who go hiking in the mountains always have a bar of chocolate with them. Chocolate also has phenylethylamine in it. It stimulates our body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is the so-called happiness hormone. So it’s worth having chocolate at home for those long autumn evenings and of course for the blues.
The best treat!
The smell of chocolate alone makes us feel good, therefore, it is widely used in cosmetics. Who wants a chocolate scrub or treatment? Eating dark chocolate is also recommended for pregnant women.
The versatile effects of chocolate were known and used already in antiquity – for fever, digestive problems, and many other ailments. It is worth knowing that of all the types of sweets out there, chocolate is by far the least harmful to the teeth. In Japan, even toothpaste with cocoa extract has already been developed.
Chocolate is a very good source of magnesium, which is needed by the nervous system and all muscles, including the heart. It is also essential for strong bones, so people at risk of osteoporosis should ensure its sufficient intake.
At the beginning of our article, we mentioned that chocolate contains carbohydrates and its excessive consumption can lead to obesity or overweight. This is all true, but many experts claim that chocolate supports weight loss. Are you curious why? Firstly, it gives a feeling of satiety, thanks to which we consume much fewer calories, and secondly, it speeds up our metabolism. A good mood and a positive attitude are also important on a slimming diet, so don’t be afraid to indulge in a little pleasure from time to time.
It is best to choose dark chocolate with a cocoa solids content of at least 70%. The composition of the product should be as short as possible, without palm oil and glucose-fructose syrup. We should not eat more than 3 pieces of chocolate a day. That’s a reasonable portion!
Bon Appetit!