Dark chocolate contains many biologically active substances. Among them are anti-aging antioxidants, theobromine, which helps to cure diseases and lungs and stimulates the cardiovascular system.
Proved that daily use a small amount of dark chocolate helps lower blood cholesterol levels, prevents blood clots and helps normalize blood pressure, so chocolate with a high cocoa content can serve people suffering from atherosclerosis and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels, not only a treat, but also a kind of medicine.
Bitter chocolate stimulates metabolism and is easily absorbed by the body, which allows you to include it even in the diet. In addition, it increases efficiency, stimulates concentration, promotes mental activity.
Chocolate is known as natural, and it is bitter dark bars that enhance your mood best - due to the high cocoa content, this type of chocolate abounds in serotonin, tryptophan, magnesium, B vitamins and other substances that affect work nervous system. Just half a standard tile will even help relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, eliminating depressed mood, irritability and tearfulness.
How bad is chocolate?
Due to the high content of cocoa powder and cocoa butter, dark chocolate can cause an allergic reaction. Because of this, and also because of the alkaloid theobromine, which is similar in effect to caffeine, it is not recommended - even a few small pieces can cause agitation and insomnia.
Tannin, which is part of dark chocolate, can constrict blood vessels, so people suffering from migraines should better pay attention to other sweets - as well as those who are sick with urolithiasis or kidney stones. Contained oxalates (salts of oxalic acid) contribute to the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Excessive consumption of dark chocolate can harm those who are struggling with excess weight - the calorie content of this delicacy is quite high (about 500 kcal per 100 grams), therefore, by eating more than the recommended amount, it is easy to gain a few extra pounds. Experts assure that it is enough to consume 25-50 grams of dark chocolate per day to feel its beneficial effect - more will not do any good.
You are probably familiar with the bitter taste of unsweetened chocolate. This feeling of bitterness is associated with the presence in it harmful chemicals from the group of alkaloids, as well as pyrolysates. Therefore, to give a sweet taste in the production of chocolate, a large amount of and is added to it.
Chocolate is a calorie bomb
Since chocolate and other refined sweets, such as a piece of cake, contain almost no vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but are themselves high in calories, such foods are called calorie bombs. Their frequent use leads to the appearance, increases appetite and, ultimately, can lead to poor health and disease.
One hundred and fifty grams of chocolate bar in terms of calories is equivalent to 1.5 kilograms of apples! One piece chocolate cake equivalent in calories to seven slices of wholemeal bread.
caffeine in chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine and theophylline, which cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and enlargement of the prostate gland (prostate) in men. One cup of cocoa or hot chocolate can contain between 6 and 42 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine contributes to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and a slight increase in blood pressure, so people who have had a heart attack are advised to reduce their consumption of chocolate (125-gram chocolate bar contains more caffeine than a cup of instant coffee).
More about caffeine
Chocolate for men
Theobromine, the main methylxanthine found in chocolate, may be the cause of the abnormal growth of gland tissue. This substance is twice as toxic as caffeine and can cause testicular atrophy and impaired sperm production.
Chocolate for kids
Children, as a rule, have less body weight and some peculiarities in metabolism, even such an amount of cocoa can pose a danger to their health. However, cocoa hot chocolate with milk continue to be one of the most favorite children's drinks.
The presence of cholesterol and the high fat content of milk can be a source of various health problems, and the high protein content of these foods can affect calcium loss from the bones.
What contaminants are allowed in chocolate?
The benefits of chocolate have been proven by scientists
Working solely on the principle: “I like it, I take it, I don’t like it, I reject it” has very strong “lawyer” skills. This is very familiar to those who are trying to diet or quit bad habits: the mind always finds some excuse to allow itself to enjoy another dose of something harmful.
So there are various studies proving the benefits of caffeine, margarine, alcohol, tobacco, and whatever, soon, probably, they will prove to us that heroin prolongs life. Here is an example:
Opinions on the impact of chocolate on health vary from the categorical “harmful” almost to the announcement of it as a panacea. Where is the truth? Let's try to figure it out. Here is the scientific opinion on the most common "chocolate" questions:
Chocolate is the culprit of excess weight
Only partly true. Chocolate is indeed a high-calorie product, but the main sources of calories are milk and glucose. "Chocolate" carbohydrates are classified as "easily available", are quickly broken down and just as quickly consumed. Indeed, when consumed in excess, carbohydrates can be “stored” as fat, but when consumed in reasonable amounts, they can be part of a healthy balanced diet.Chocolate is a source of energy
Truth. Fats and sugars found in chocolate are the main sources of energy for the body. Magnesium and potassium contained in it are necessary for the normal functioning of muscles and the nervous system. Therefore, chocolate is useful for children, as well as for those who play sports.Chocolate has a stimulating effect
Truth. Theobromine and caffeine contained in this product have a slight stimulating effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Carbohydrates provide readily available and quickly burned energy, while the fats contained in cocoa butter are absorbed more slowly and provide the body with energy for a longer time.Chocolate has a lot of caffeine
Wrong. In fact, one bar of chocolate contains only 30 mg of caffeine. But in a cup of coffee - as much as 180 mg.Chocolate is good for the heart and blood vessels
Right. Cardiologists have found that the polyphenols contained in cocoa beans have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. They promote more efficient blood flow, thereby reducing the workload on the heart. There is also an opinion that cocoa improves the functioning of the immune system. V medicinal purposes it is better to use only high-quality varieties of dark chocolate.Chocolate is bad for teeth, promotes caries
This is not true. Unlike other sweet treats, it is chocolate that is the least dangerous: cocoa prevents the destruction of tooth enamel. The cocoa butter contained in chocolate envelops the teeth with a protective film and protects them from decay. Especially strong are the antibacterial properties of the shell of cocoa beans, which is removed during the preparation of chocolate. Japanese researchers believe that an extract made from the shells of cocoa beans should be added to toothpaste and mouthwashes. Of course, chocolate will not replace brushing your teeth, but dentists believe that chocolate candies less harmful than, say, caramel.Chocolate excites
Right. The exciting effect of this delicacy was discovered by its discoverers - the ancient Aztecs. They used it to maintain strength. The already mentioned caffeine and theobromine may not work well for you if you eat a lot of chocolate - especially at night.Chocolate is a drug
Caffeine in chocolate, as mentioned above, is quite small. Theobromine, which in principle can cause an addiction resembling a drug, is also so low that a real addiction can only occur in someone who eats at least 400-500 grams of chocolate a day for some time. As for the cannabinoids found in chocolate - substances resembling marijuana in action, at least 55 bars must be eaten to achieve any noticeable effect. Therefore, there is no need to talk about physical dependence. The question of the psychological aspects of attachment to this delicacy and overcoming "chocolate taboos" is still waiting for its psychologists and psychoanalysts.
Chocolate chocolate strife
There is a lot going on in the information world, in particular, some studies on the benefits of cocoa beans and chocolate are being done on people consuming pure chocolate, devoid of trans fats, with minimal sugar and milk. Our chocolate bars contain the lowest quality cocoa powder, the most dangerous preservatives, Palm oil instead of cocoa butter, and other "joys" - check the composition.
You yourself can decide what to believe in, but in order to make a sober and reasonable decision (and not on emotions), I can only recommend one thing:
CHECK FOR YOURSELF!
Give up sugar and caffeine for a month (not that much considering that YOUR ENTIRE LIFE could change!). Monitor your well-being.
From my own experience I can say: the first week after giving up coffee and chocolate, I slept a lot: about 16 hours a day, and when I was awake, I was a little sleepy. Therefore, if you decide to try it, choose a vacation time. What a terrible addiction it must be if, having lost these products, the body “comes to its senses” for a whole week purely outwardly. After a few months, I found that I was completely free of allergies to dust, animals, and flowers.
For the period from October to March, for the first time in my life, I did not get sick even once with the flu (however, nothing else). Excess weight has gone, skin has cleared, shortness of breath has disappeared and much more. And such results are not only for me, but also for those of my friends who decided to escape from the captivity of taste slavery.
However, I also know those who continue to drink coffee, eat chocolate and sugar and get sick, even with diabetes and after a heart attack. It all depends on awareness and desire: test your strength.
Of course, the most useful chocolate for the human body is dark, and all this is due to the fact that it contains a large amount of natural cocoa. Dark chocolate is not processed as much as white or milk chocolate, which allows everything to be preserved. useful material and enhance its flavor. But first you need to understand the effect of chocolate on our body and understand if chocolate has any side effects.
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Benefits of bitter chocolate
First of all, it must be recalled that flavonoids are found in high amounts in chocolate. These are substances that stimulate the release of nitric oxide in the blood, and improve the blood supply to all internal organs. They also have a lot useful qualities, for example, improve the functioning of the central nervous system, remove antioxidants from the body, improve blood pressure balance, and so on. Accordingly, the more cocoa beans contained, the higher the quality of chocolate.In white chocolate, the content of cocoa beans is minimized, so it is useless for our body. Chocolate with added milk and sugar is called milk chocolate, it contains about 60-70% cocoa, which is much more attractive than white chocolate. The record holder for cocoa content is dark chocolate, it contains about 80-87% cocoa, which increases its beneficial properties. It is highly desirable to include dark chocolate in your diet for better health, recent studies have confirmed the benefits of chocolate for the cardiovascular system, the brain and diabetics, as chocolate improves the body's sensitivity to the hormone insulin.
With the help of dark chocolate, you can lower blood pressure, since any cocoa contains a substance that treats obesity and lowers blood pressure with it, especially in adults. A study was conducted in which 40 people took part in the age, and with a very high weight. Famous physicians took part in the experiment, for example, David L. Katz from the Yale Center. Participants were divided into two groups, the first was given a piece of dark chocolate containing 20 grams of cocoa, and the second was given a dummy chocolate that did not contain cocoa. Before the start of the experiment, they conducted a medical examination, did an ultrasound and measured blood pressure, and also conducted an examination at the end of the experiment, where it turned out that the first group had normal blood pressure compared to the second group.
Also, the pressure and condition of the vessels improved significantly in people who drink two mugs of cocoa, in contrast to people who do not consume cocoa at all. But a lot depended on whether the cocoa contained sugar or not. When people were given cocoa with sugar, no beneficial properties were observed. The researchers argue that even adding two teaspoons of sugar to a mug can spoil the quality of the cocoa and minimize the beneficial effects. Despite this, one should not abuse such a wonderful drink as cocoa. Everyone knows that it is very sweet, which means that you can gain weight. Due to the increase in body weight, blood pressure rises, which negatively affects health.
Another study showed that heart disease can be cured with dark chocolate. The experiment was conducted in Italy, during which it turned out that the inflammatory processes that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases are suspended if dark chocolate is consumed. But you can eat no more than 6 grams of dark chocolate per day. The study was carried out at the Catholic University of Campobasso in Milan. Five thousand people participated in the experiment, who did not have a tendency to develop cardiovascular diseases. To put it simply - the level of cholesterol was normal, as well as pressure. Both men and women, aged 30 and over, who had good health. The study found that people with low levels of C-reactive protein had virtually no problems with inflammatory processes, most interestingly - the amount of protein is reduced if you eat a daily norm of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate has an effect on well-being and reduces anxiety and nervous tension, this was confirmed after a study in Lausanne. At the end of the study, it was found that dark chocolate affects the release of the stress hormone and significantly reduces its amount in the blood. The hormone cortisol negatively affects all body systems, but to reduce its amount in the blood, you need to consume 50 grams of dark chocolate for 14 days. The experiment involved 30 people in perfect health, they ate one part of the chocolate in the evening, and the other immediately after waking up. The hormone cortisol was lowered within two weeks of taking it, so people suffering from nervous tension and experiencing a lot of stress should include dark chocolate in their diet.
Many believe that chocolate has the properties of a potent sexual stimulant, this is due to the fact that the relevance of chocolate to increase the desire to have sex was very high in antiquity. But scientific research confirms only one thing - serotonin and phenylethylamine are powerful stimulants of the nervous system, they quickly improve mood. People only enjoy eating chocolate, it is unlikely that it somehow affects the desire to have sex, this is false information.
Is white chocolate healthy?
There are several main ingredients in white chocolate: milk protein, sugar, cocoa butter. As you can see, it does not contain pure chocolate liqueur or cocoa at all. But in the composition you can find lecithin - a preservative used as a thickener, vanillin or vanilla is also added to improve the flavor. Such chocolate melts for a long time, so it can be stored even at a temperature of +20 degrees Celsius. Of course, chocolate melts quickly in your mouth, just like milk chocolate, and the chocolate flavor is retained by the cocoa butter.Due to the lack of chocolate liqueur and cocoa powder in the composition, it can be said openly that it does not meet the standards, so white chocolate is not sold in all countries. There is even a certain list of standards that helps to decide on the choice of white chocolate, and it is also used to decide whether to sell white chocolate or not. In 2004, white chocolate was defined in America: 14% milk powder, 20% cocoa butter, 55% sugar - if something did not meet the requirements, chocolate was not sold. Various acts were also brought out that spoke about the quality of white chocolate. In Europe, there were approximately the same standards: 14% milk powder and 20% cocoa butter must be contained in white chocolate, otherwise the sale is prohibited.
Almost all white chocolate is made from cheap ingredients: hydrogenated vegetable fat, cheap cocoa substitute and sugar substitute, which is why it is white. You can not use white chocolate in cooking, for example, when melted, a lot of cocoa butter is released, which must be poured. The same applies to other types of chocolate, especially after melting, you can not add water, as the chocolate will have uneven lumps that will spoil the dish. You will have to try several types of chocolate to see which one melts better and has fewer lumps. Much depends on the manufacturer of chocolate, so the color of chocolate at the end of preparation changes greatly, somewhere it becomes golden, and somewhere pure brown.
White chocolate sold in tiles like any other. But you can find liquid chocolate sold in aluminum tubes. You can use liquid chocolate to decorate the dessert, you can also use white chocolate chips. But keep in mind that white chocolate is bad for the body, as it contains a lot of simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, and this affects the metabolism in the worst way. Pay attention to the calorie content of chocolate, it is in the range of 400-600 calories. Do not use it too often, because the metabolism is greatly disturbed. You can quietly gain excess weight, suddenly increase the amount of sugar in the blood, which will lead to diabetes, and diseases of the cardiovascular system may develop in the future. Eat white chocolate rarely so as not to spoil your health.
The benefit of white chocolate lies in its ability to lower blood cholesterol, since cocoa butter contains aleic fatty acid, which reduces cholesterol. But if there is too much of this acid in the body, the amount of cholesterol will increase, which will lead to diseases. Also don't forget that dark chocolate does not have such a negative effect on the teeth as white chocolate. This is due to the high content of astringents that cleanse the oral cavity and eliminate pathogenic bacteria. These substances are absent in white chocolate.
Why is chocolate bad?
First, chocolate has a lot of calories that are found in refined sweets. In chocolate, just like in cake, there are no minerals, vitamins and fiber, but there are a lot of simple carbohydrates and calories. Regular consumption of sweets provokes the appearance of excess weight, chronic diseases and deterioration of well-being. A bar of chocolate weighing 150 grams contains as many calories as 1.5 kilograms of apples. A small piece of chocolate cake has as many calories as seven pieces of brown bread.
Secondly, chocolate contains a natural energy drink - caffeine, which can cause nausea, gastrointestinal diseases, heartburn, and even prostate enlargement in men. A mug of hot chocolate contains over 40 milligrams of caffeine, which is a lot. As a result, the heart rate increases arterial pressure and so on, which is why taking chocolate is contraindicated for people who have experienced a stroke or heart attack. 100 grams of chocolate contains as much caffeine as a mug of instant coffee.
Thirdly, methylxanthine - theobromine, which is found in chocolate, has a very negative effect on the male glands. Since this substance poisons the prostate much more than caffeine, male sperm is dehydrated and produced more slowly, which can lead to infertility. Also, chocolate is very harmful for children, because their metabolism is quite fast, but chocolate can slow it down or speed it up. Of course, children love hot chocolate and cocoa, but they are extremely harmful to the body. Excessive fat content in chocolate can cause dehydration of the bone tissue, which will remove calcium from the bones and lead to weak bones and joints.
Fourth, any chocolate has harmful substances, which is why the drug administration has compiled a detailed list of substances contained in chocolate. Any chocolate may contain particles of insects and rodents. 15 grams of chocolate contains about 70 fragments of dangerous insects. Rat droppings are also found in chocolate, and this can lead to infection with worms. Chocolate is very dangerous, especially from an unknown manufacturer, do not buy cheap chocolate if you care about your health.
As you can see, chocolate has not only positive, but also negative qualities. Everyone makes his own choice - to eat chocolate or not, of course, bitter and dark chocolate is very useful in small quantities, but most people eat chocolate for dessert in large quantities, which only harms health. Include really high-quality dark chocolate in your diet and be sure that your health will be in perfect order, but in no case do not abuse chocolate.
Chocolate is adored by millions of people around the world. This and delicious treat, and a universal gift, and an effective antidepressant. But many, considering chocolate unhealthy, avoid eating this product. And it’s completely in vain - chocolate in moderate doses will not only not cause harm, but will also bring tangible benefits.
What is chocolate made from?
Cocoa butter is the ingredient that makes chocolate chocolate. The remaining components may be present in different proportions, depending on what the confectioner wanted to cook.
As you know, there are 3 main types of chocolate, and they differ significantly from each other in composition.
1. Dark chocolate consists of cocoa butter, sugar and grated cocoa beans. This classic version chocolate bar that has not changed over the years. As a rule, dark chocolate has a slightly bitter taste due to the high content of grated cocoa, which is why such chocolate is often called bitter chocolate.
2. Milk chocolate differs from dark chocolate in the presence of milk powder in its composition. Its taste is softer and more delicate than that of the dark one, but milk significantly increases the fat content and calorie content of the product.
3. White chocolate is similar to milk chocolate in many ways, but contains no cocoa liquor at all. In addition to milk powder, vanillin and flavorings are added to create a characteristic taste.
Useful properties of chocolate
Chocolate owes its beneficial properties to cocoa beans. They contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body. Therefore, chocolate with a maximum cocoa content, that is, bitter, is considered the most useful.
Many have noticed that eating a piece of chocolate improves mood and energizes. This is due to cannabinoids - narcotic substances contained in small amounts in cocoa beans. If you eat 60 chocolate bars, you will get drugged. If you do not get carried away and limit yourself to one serving, then a surge of energy and good mood is guaranteed.
Chocolate is a source of antioxidants that slow down the aging process, restore cell structure, and even help fight cancer. Most antioxidants are found in dark chocolate.
Chocolate, its health benefits (as well as harm) were already known to the ancient Maya. Modern history of this product began in 1517, when it was originally sold only in pharmacies, and doctors recommended it for recovery from various diseases. And only in 1951 was the first book about its effect on human health published - about useful properties and how bad chocolate is.
Composition and quality
When asked which chocolate is the best, the answer is probably known to everyone. Of course, dark, containing 75-99% cocoa; a daily dose of about 50 g is considered optimal in relation to prevention.
Consuming this well-known delicacy in large quantities is therapeutically acceptable, but not beneficial due to its calorie content.
A dark variety with a high percentage of cocoa contains a large amount of nutrients, as well as a significant level of soluble fiber and minerals.
In a tile (100 g) quality product, contains (% of the recommended daily allowance) :
- 11 g fiber.
- 67% iron.
- 58% magnesium.
- 89% copper.
- 98% manganese.
In addition, it contains phosphorus, zinc, potassium and selenium.
Calories, fats and sugars
Generally, nutritional value this product is very difficult to identify. It depends on its type (there is bitter, milky, white, with nuts ...) and differs in the amount of fat, milk and cocoa percentage.
Calorie slices of chocolate (approximate amount per 1 slice - 7 g):
- Gorky - 30.
- Dairy - 35.
- White - 38.
Nutritional value and calorie content of chocolate per 100 grams:
- bitter
The healthiest option. Unlike other types, it contains a higher percentage of caffeine (59 mg / 100 g). In addition, this variety also has a relatively low kilojoule content: 2162 (correspondingly, the calorie content of dark chocolate is 517 kcal). Its advantage is the absence of cholesterol. - Lactic
Together with white, it contains more calcium than bitter. It has to do with milk content. However, at the same time, calories milk chocolate also higher - 2250 kJ / 100 g, 538 kcal. - White
This variety has a minimum of cocoa and a maximum of fat - more than 33.2 g / 100 g. It has very little in common with a bitter variety, characterized by a high cocoa content (70%). It is made from cocoa butter and is often mixed with vegetable fats, which can contain unhealthy unsaturated fatty acids. The energy value and the calorie content of white chocolate is very high: 2,528.95 kJ / 604.42 kcal. - With nuts
In this variety, attention should be paid not only to the energy value: 2176 kJ (520 kcal), but also to the high cholesterol content: 21 mg / 100 g. poop). However, it contains more sugar: 57.7 g/100 g.
Antioxidants
Have you ever heard of the Food and Drink Antioxidant Measurement Scale (ORAC)?
ORAC (English: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a scale for measuring the antioxidant rate of foods and beverages.
In terms of real benefits to human health, the results of ORAC studies are often questioned because they are all conducted in test tubes in laboratories, and do not work directly in the human body.
However, according to this scale, cocoa products are classified as food products with a high level of antioxidant activity. They contain a wide range of antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonols, catechins and others. One study found them to have higher antioxidant activity than blueberries or Brazilian acai.
Improving circulation and lowering blood pressure
Flavonols, which are found in quality dark sweets, stimulate the endothelium of blood vessels to produce nitric oxide (NO).
One of the functions of nitric oxide is to signal the blood vessels to relax; thus, their resistance decreases. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
However, modern medicine and dietetics are not so supportive of this effect. Although there have been many controlled studies showing that cocoa and cocoa products have an effect on blood pressure drop and improved blood circulation, this effect, as it turned out, is not significant.
However, there are also studies that have failed to show any effect on blood pressure. Therefore, a clear question whether it raises or lowers pressure does not yet exist.
Raising HDL Cholesterol and Protecting LDL from Oxidation
As it turned out, we are talking about a delicacy that is recommended to be included in the diet (in reasonable quantities!) For people leading a healthy lifestyle. Consumption of high quality sweets may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Controlled studies have shown a significant reduction in oxidized LDL particles in the blood. In addition, there is an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in LDL with their overestimated rates.
Oxidation of LDL cholesterol occurs as a result of its reaction with free radicals. This causes LDL itself to become a radical and destroy surrounding tissues, especially the blood vessels that feed the heart.
Due to the high content of active antioxidants that enter the blood, the effect of dark sweetness is to reduce the amount of LDL particles in the blood. Thus, there is an effect of protecting lipoproteins from damage by oxidative stress.
Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
This means that in the long term, the risk of damage to the arterial walls and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases is reduced.
There are several controlled studies that have demonstrated a significant effect of the substances contained on the condition of the vessels. One of them shows that eating treats at least 2 times a week reduces the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques by 32%. With less frequent use, these positive effects will not appear.
Another study showed that eating sweets 5 times a week reduced the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases by 57%.
Insulin resistance and diabetes
Until recently, there was only a dia product. The problem lies in the sweeteners, the quality of the product, the content of sugarcane or agave syrup, which are not suitable for diabetics. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the content of fructose.
However, recent studies have been conducted directly to study the impact of this, beloved by many goodies, on the body of a diabetic.
According to British scientists, there is no harm for people with this diagnosis, on the contrary, the bitter variety can help by maintaining optimal cholesterol levels. Especially suitable for diabetics is a treat with cocoa pieces and rich in polyphenols.
Skin protection from UV rays
Biologically active substances have a protective effect on the skin. Flavanols protect it from damage caused by the sun's rays. They also improve hydration and increase blood circulation.
The minimum erythema dose (MED) is the minimum amount of ultraviolet radiation that causes skin redness after 24 hours of sun exposure.
A study in 30 people showed that after 12 weeks of regular consumption of a dark variety of treats with a high content of flavonols, there was a doubling of the MED (ie, for the skin to be exposed to twice the dose of solar radiation).
Thus, if you plan on a long exposure to the sun, it is advisable to stock up on a sufficient dose of flavonols.
Improving brain function
For the brain, chocolate is also beneficial, having a positive effect on improving brain functioning.
In one study, healthy volunteers consumed a product with high doses of flavonols for 5 days. The result was improved blood flow to the brain.
Cocoa significantly improves cognitive function in elderly people with cognitive impairment. This is reflected, for example, in the improvement of verbal expression.
Cocoa also contains stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine, which have positive, albeit short-term effects on brain function.
stomach ulcer
With a stomach ulcer, it is desirable to exclude foods that stimulate the production of gastric juice. Unfortunately, the considered popular sweetness also belongs to them.
"Sweet" weight loss
When losing weight, a bitter variety will in no way interfere! The key is to make the right choice. Preference should be given to a delicacy with a cocoa content of at least 50% (even better - 70%). Although he does not melt in the language (), but belongs to the so-called. "superfoods" along with green tea, salmon and . Conversely, a milky sweetness with a high percentage of fats, carbohydrates and chemical additives will successfully destroy any attempts to lose weight!
About the ideal amount suitable for consumption when losing weight, so far there are discussions. Some nutritionists recommend 20-30 g 3 times a week, others - the same amount every day. Therefore, in this matter, you should rely only on yourself and the reaction of your body.
Source of good mood
Do you suffer from stress and bad mood? This is one more reason to eat a sweet that will pamper your taste buds and lift your spirits! Scientists have managed to prove the fact that the most famous sweet in the world causes a feeling of happiness and well-being.
At least, this is what Swiss scientists-researchers say, who studied 2 groups of people for 14 days. Participants in one of which ate 40 g of treats per day, the second group was deprived of such pleasure. Results?
Those people who indulged in the "sweet treat" were measured to have much lower levels of stress hormones. Anandamide, found in cocoa beans, is to thank for this. It is he who creates a sense of well-being in the brain, and therefore is a good medicine for depression.
Gastritis and pancreatitis
Although it is a very tasty sweet and most people can't imagine life without it, it is unfortunately to be avoided.
This should be done because this treat irritates the intestinal mucosa, and can cause irritable bowel syndrome or provoke an acute attack of the disease present.
Cough
Theobromine found in cocoa has the ability to block the activity of sensory nerves and thus prevent coughing up to 3 times more effectively than codeine, which is commonly used to treat the disease.
When choosing sweets, you need to follow the rule that the more cocoa, the better, otherwise you may find that not only did not get rid of the cough, but also gained weight ...
Theobromine Amount (mg/30g):
- bitter - 400-450;
- dairy - 60.
Constipation
According to a 2005 study, in people suffering from chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, this healthy treat may aggravate symptoms.
But there are conflicting results from other studies that claim that this product, on the contrary, helps with constipation. You decide…
Headache
The substance tyramine present in chocolate is a known trigger. This should be paid attention to people at risk (migraine in a personal or family history). However, the good news is that the more cocoa powder present in a treat, the more the risk of headaches is reduced.
Teeth
Damage to teeth, according to the results of numerous studies, is exaggerated and is minimal. An important role here is played by fluorine contained in cocoa and cocoa butter. It forms a coating on the surface of the tooth that protects against bacteria due to the content of tannins.
Aphrodisiac
Exciting properties were already known to the Mayans and the Aztecs, the ruler of Montezuma, according to historical records, drank several dozen cups of liquid chocolate a day. Casanova and Dubarry were very fond of feasting on them. At the same time, according to recent studies, women are more susceptible to the effects of phenylethylamine than men.
Beauty of hair and skin
Chocolate for the face and hair has been used since time immemorial. Thanks to it, the production of collagen is stimulated, which makes the skin smooth and elastic.
Gentle face mask
The mask for healing the skin and smoothing the complexion is effective due to the biologically active substances contained in cocoa. Simply heat a high quality sweetness in a bain-marie, let cool slightly and apply to clean skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Hair Mask
Give your hair new strength! Mix 3 tbsp. fat-free cottage cheese with warm water until smooth. Add 1 tbsp. cocoa and stir again. Apply the mixture evenly to your hair. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Thanks to the regenerative and moisturizing properties of the mask, the hair will acquire a beautiful shine.
Treats for children
Due to the popularity of this delicacy, the question of at what age it is possible to give it to a child is always relevant. It should be borne in mind that it can act as an allergen on young children, therefore it is not recommended for use by children under 2 years of age (the maximum amount at 2 years is 50 g).
The following question can also be attributed to the children's topic: is it possible for a nursing mother to have chocolate? But, in this case, there is no clear answer. It all depends on the individual tolerance of both the mother and the baby.
Try it by starting with a minimum dose of 20-30 grams per day. Eat only a bitter product, avoid dairy and, especially, white due to the high percentage of fats and sugars that can adversely affect the baby's digestion.
Ah, that allergy...
Allergy to chocolate does not exist, it is caused by its individual components.
Allergy symptoms vary depending on which ingredient is causing it.:
- diarrhea;
- vomit;
- nausea;
- swelling of the mucous membranes of the lips and tongue;
- dyspnea;
- irritability;
- skin rash (it is often called “acne from chocolate”);
- stomach ache;
- anaphylactic reactions that can endanger life.
Ingredients that can cause unpleasant reactions:
- Milk.
- Peanut.
- Gluten.
Despite the health benefits, common, loved by all, sweetness should be consumed as an independent food, not combined with another. An important factor is the quantity - you should not eat it in large portions, otherwise, instead of beneficial effects, you risk getting harm and the allergy mentioned above.
