Chocolate
Chocolate has been around for ages, and chocolate bars were first created in the seventeenth century by combining chocolate and milk. However, not all varieties of chocolate are considered healthy, and to reap the advantages of chocolate, you must avoid chocolate that contains caramel, cream, or marshmallow, and instead opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
To reap the health advantages of chocolate, pick dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. Most types of milk chocolate include up to 50% cocoa, while some inexpensive chocolate includes only 7% cocoa.
The benefits of chocolate
High-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content includes numerous vital chemicals and nutrients that provide the body with several health benefits. Among the benefits of dark chocolate when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet are the following:
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The benefits of chocolate |
- It is one of the sources of a wide range of potent antioxidants, as it is one of the foods that contains biologically active and antioxidant chemicals like polyphenols.
- It can help increase blood flow and lower blood pressure because dark chocolate contains flavanols, which stimulate the production of nitric oxide by the lining of the arteries, and this substance sends signals to the arteries to relax, reducing resistance to blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
- It may assist to lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes; one study found that cocoa powder raises good cholesterol levels (HDL), shields low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles from oxidation, and lowers overall bad cholesterol in persons with high cholesterol, and dark chocolate helps to lower insulin resistance.
- The flavanol molecule enhances blood flow to the skin, increasing its density and hydration. It can help protect skin from UV damage.
- Eating 30 grammes of dark chocolate daily during pregnancy can help the foetus grow and develop properly, but additional scientific research are needed to back up this claim.
- It can help with symptoms like exhaustion that come with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is thought to improve the function of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which aids in mood and sleep regulation.
The nutritional value of chocolate
White and milk chocolate manufacturers assert that their goods are healthier. Because it contains milk, which is high in protein and calcium, while dark chocolate supporters claim it includes more iron and antioxidants.
However, because the nutrients vary widely depending on the manufacturer, it is best to verify the label to ensure that the nutrients are there. The chart below illustrates the nutrients present in 28.35 grammes of dark chocolate with various cocoa proportions.