Chocolate Health Benefits
Chocolate Health Benefits.. Stimulating, comforting and even an aphrodisiac. If you are one of those millions of lovers of chocolate, you can rest assured there is no harm in satisfying your desire for it. And you may be surprised by its hidden virtues if you think chocolate is totally bad and full of empty calories..
Chocolate surely tastes great, but can also be good for your health and your mood. In addition to nutrients, no less than 500 different molecules are active in chocolate.
High in calories.. With more than 500 kcal per 100 g, chocolate can give you energy, as long as you know how to eat your chocolate in moderation.. This energy comes mainly from fat (30%) present in cocoa butter, and carbohydrates (50-60%) by the cocoa and the added sugar.
Cocoa in chocolate determines its fat content. So, dark chocolate- that is rich in cocoa, is higher in fat than milk chocolate, and the latter is sweeter with higher sugar content.
And not all empty calories either: Chocolate also provides minerals and trace elements such as iron and copper, and some B vitamins.
Each type of chocolate has its own health characteristics:
Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium. With 110 mg per 100 g, it is also one of the foods that are the richest in this mineral. A bar of 30 g covers more than 10% of the recommended daily intake. Knowing the frequency of deficiencies in magnesium, do enjoy a piece of chocolate at the end of a meal!
Milk chocolate does not have the same advantage because it contains half the magnesium of dark chocolate. However, it brings a bit of calcium through milk … not enough to cover the needs of the day though, with 30 grams are only the equivalent of a base glass of milk.
As for white chocolate, it is cocoa butter combined with milk and sugar. Nutritionally, it is close to milk chocolate, but a little fattier. Above all, it does not contain any cocoa polyphenols with amazing health benefits…
Chocolate tastes even nicer with almonds, pistachios, Brazil nuts or hazelnuts.. These nuts provide polyunsaturated lipids of very good quality, as well as magnesium, phosphorus and some plant based iron. But still be careful with the calories…
Chocolate is a proven antidepressant. Magnesium is also known for its relaxing effect, chocolate contains many other psychostimulant substances like serotonin and phenylethylamine, that have antidepressant action. Caffeine and theobromine are also alkaloids that act as stimulants on the nervous system.
Chocolate consumption also frees up dopamine and endorphins, heavily involved in the fun and known for their soothing effect… This makes it difficult to eat only one piece of chocolate without going through the whole thing.
Cocoa contains intense antioxidant polyphenols, substances also found in fruits and vegetables, tea and wine. They act by limiting the oxidation of blood lipids, which protects the body from cellular aging and cardiovascular disease risk.
Polyphenols are responsible for the bitterness characteristic of dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains twice the polyphenols than milk chocolate. But how much to eat for a good cardiovascular prevention remains unknown for now…
Combined with a healthy diet and consumed not in excess, chocolate can be eaten without fear! Enjoying in moderation and not abusing is the key for this fun food.
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