The benefits of chocolate are many, including raising endorphin and serotonin levels, hormones that cause well-being.
Surely with Easter approaching you must already be thinking about chocolates. Above all, find out which ones are the most suitable. I’ll say beforehand that this sweet is not just a villain, also know the benefits of chocolate.
First check the chocolate label, analyze the composition of the product to find out the amount of hydrogenated vegetable fat present. Definitely give preference to 70% cocoa options, where the quantity of fruit is greater and with it comes the benefits of chocolate.
Cocoa
Cocoa is considered a super food according to the ORAC (Oxigen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, which assigns antioxidant value to substances and foods. This scale considers cocoa to be the food with the highest level of antioxidants in the world.
Furthermore, cocoa is rich in minerals such as:
- Zinc;
- Magnesium;
- Phosphor;
- Potassium;
- Selenium;
- Ferro;
- Calcium.
However, the ideal is to consume around 30 grams of dark chocolate daily. However, common milk sweets have a higher fat content and should only be consumed occasionally. So stay alert.
Chocolate branco
But white chocolate is not included in this line of healthy chocolates. It is produced through a mixture of cocoa butter with other ingredients, such as milk and sugar. As it does not contain cocoa mass, it does not contain the properties found in dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
Benefits of chocolate
Antioxidant
The ingredient is considered a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant foods are capable of neutralizing the body’s so-called free radicals, generated naturally and increased by stress, sun, among others.
Brain health
According to a study from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, dark chocolate can reduce brain damage after a stroke. In summary, the research concluded that a compound called epicatechin protects nerve cells.
Helps with bodybuilding
According to a sports nutrition study from Kingston University, England, food helps to produce more nitric oxide, which leads to an increase in vasodilation and, consequently, improves the supply of oxygen to cells. Above all, it contains epicatechin, a substance that promotes muscular resistance.
Heart health
In short, according to research presented at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology, in Paris, consumption of the food is associated with a reduction, by one third, in the risk of heart disease.
Help smokers
Studies suggest that smelling pleasant odors, such as chocolate, can help smokers to quit. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh hope the findings can be used to increase the number of more effective strategies for people to never give in to the temptation of smoking again.
Improves arterial flow
Studies show that consuming dark chocolate improves arterial flow. Above all, it reduces the tendency for platelets to clot and block blood vessels. Helping to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Helps with inflammation
This is another of the benefits of chocolate. Food contains chemical elements that imitate the action of agents in the human body that combat pain and inflammation. Along with this, it also minimizes the amount of inflammatory substances in the body.
bowel cancer
Briefly, researchers at Georgetown University in the United States revealed in 2008 that chocolate can help fight bowel cancer. This is because some molecules present in cocoa, called procyanidins, have antioxidant properties, which would serve to protect cells from tumor degeneration.
Helps improve PMS
During this PMS phase, women change their mood due to the discomfort of pain and bad sensations. When eating chocolate, serotonin is released, the hormone responsible for the feeling of well-being.
Helps relieve pain
According to a study by the University of Chicago, in the United States, chocolate can help relieve pain. Even more so because the distraction of eating or drinking for pleasure would act as a natural painkiller. So, it doesn’t hurt to try.
Beauty
Chocolate is a beauty ally too. It is present in ofuro baths, massages, masks and other cosmetics. In addition to its high moisturizing power, the product fights free radicals, preventing cell oxidation.
Helps prevent pre-eclampsia
According to research from Yale University in the United States, women who enjoy the delicious treat at least five times a week are 40% less likely to develop the problem than those who consume it less than once. Above all, the compound theobromine, found mainly in bitter and semi-bitter varieties, may be responsible for the benefit. Therefore, consumption is recommended.
Contraindications
Above all, despite the many benefits of chocolate, it is not recommended for people with diabetes. The food definitely has good amounts of sugar and this can raise glucose levels, as well as trigger a crisis.
In the meantime, people with obesity and cocoa allergies should also avoid dark chocolate. Often for those who are allergic or intolerant to lactose, it is extremely important to check whether the food actually does not contain this substance. So stay tuned!
There is certainly no proven relationship between chocolate consumption and acne. Above all, this will depend on each person. In short, some people can develop acne after consuming a more oily food.
Finally, first of all, if you have any questions, consult your doctor. It is extremely important to emphasize consumption in large quantities. This way you could be gaining a lot of weight, and excess chocolate can also increase the propensity for kidney stones because the food is rich in oxalate.
However, this was our article about the benefits of chocolate, did you like it? Then read also: Benefits of bananas – What are they, and how to consume them?
Sources: Minha Vida Vila da Serra Terra
Featured image: Portal t5
