Everything You Need To Know About Chocolate

The benefits of consuming chocolate have been a topic of debate for many decades. Although it was long thought to be harmful to health, it has now been proven that it could be a source of good nutrients for the body. What should you know about chocolate?

First of all, it should be clarified that the best chocolate is the one whose composition is rich in cocoa (at least 60%). This variety, whose base is not refined sugars, contains antioxidant substances that help protect the body, reducing the risk of diseases.

Likewise, it is a food with high energy value that, in moderate amounts, would help us to be more active and in a better mood. Do you still exclude it from your diet? Below we review several reasons to consume it regularly in a moderate way.

Properties you should know about chocolate

Chocolate is a food that is produced by adding fat and sugar to cocoa. Its nutritional quality depends on its manufacturing process, as well as the added ingredients. The healthiest version is the one with a high cocoa content, also known as “dark chocolate.”

This is composed of at least 60 or 70% cocoa and its content of sugars and added is minimal. Instead, it concentrates interesting antioxidant properties that would benefit the body. In addition, according to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, each 100-gram serving can provide:

• 11 grams of fiber
• 67% of the RDA for iron.
• 58% of the RDA for magnesium.
• 89% of the CDR for copper.
• 98% of the RDA for manganese.
• It also provides potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.

It is essential to bear in mind that 100 grams of chocolate is a very large portion and it is not something that should be consumed daily. Even this represents about 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. Therefore, so that its intake is not counterproductive, it should be ingested in small quantities.

Health benefits of chocolate

One of the things you should know about chocolate is that it can provide more antioxidants than fruits such as blueberries and acai berries. In fact, it is a source of various biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins.

It would help lower blood pressure

The flavanols contained in dark chocolate would help stimulate the lining of the arteries to increase nitric oxide production. One of the functions of this substance is to send signals to the arteries to relax, thereby improving blood flow and blood pressure.

It would favor the control of bad cholesterol

Moderate consumption of dark chocolate may help reduce the risk of heart disease associated with high cholesterol. Cocoa and its antioxidant compounds would help lower oxidized LDL cholesterol levels and, in turn, promote an increase in good cholesterol, or HDL, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Heart Association .

It would decrease insulin resistance

There is scientific evidence to suggest that dark chocolate may have positive effects in reducing insulin resistance, a common risk factor for metabolic disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.

It would help protect the skin

The flavanols in chocolate may help protect the skin against the effects of the sun’s rays. In addition, they would improve blood flow to the skin and increase the density of hydration. Its benefits could be obtained both with its internal consumption, and with its external application.

In fact, today there are many spas and beauty centers that use this ingredient as part of their skin care treatments. It has even become one of the components of cosmetic products such as moisturizers or anti-wrinkle creams.

Of course, it could be used in its natural state, alone or in combination with other natural ingredients. In addition, as we already mentioned, it would also be convenient to eat it. Just make sure it’s at least 60% cocoa.

Could improve brain function

The brain is another organ that could benefit from moderate consumption of dark chocolate. Due to the action of its flavanols, it would improve blood flow to the brain and promote cognitive functions. In addition, thanks to its contribution of caffeine and theobromine, it would help maintain a good state of alertness.

To keep in mind!

Although this food could be beneficial to health, it should not be consumed in large quantities or every day. Also, make sure to choose a high-quality variety with high cocoa content. This is very important, since much of the chocolate sold in the market contains an excess of sugars and additives.