Chocolate: benefits and harms to human health

😉 Greetings to regular and new readers! The article “Chocolate: health benefits and harms” contains basic information about this popular confectionery and its types. About the benefits and contraindications. Related videos.

What is chocolate good for?

Many people are interested in the benefits of chocolate, since this product is often a favorite delicacy and is the most common dessert. Chocolate is a constant source of joy, comfort and positive mood.

Among other things, he is the subject of romance for most people. He will be in demand always and everywhere. It is pleasant to realize that in addition to the above joys, this product also has great benefits for the human body. Moreover, this benefit is difficult to overestimate. Some of its benefits include:

For the heart and blood vessels

The results of numerous studies convincingly prove that black (bitter) chocolate improves vascular flexibility and inhibits the adhesion of leukocytes to the walls of arteries, veins and capillaries.

And this, in turn, prevents further clogging of the vascular system of the body. Tests have confirmed that regular but moderate intake of this product reduces the risk of stroke by 15-17 percent.

Fights cholesterol

Dark chocolate fights cholesterol successfully. It is due to the high content of cocoa that it reduces the content of harmful cholesterol in the blood and at the same time increases the amount of good cholesterol. And this is a good prevention of many common today diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Skin protection

Some studies have convinced medical scientists that chocolate actively and reliably protects human skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.

This is due to the flavonols contained in dark chocolate. Of course, this does not replace the use of creams. But for a while, flavonols are able to protect the skin from the bright, scorching rays of the midday sun.

Helps with weight loss

No matter how strange it may sound, but a chocolate bar can help a person lose the hated extra pounds. Of course, in this case, chocolate should be consumed in minimal quantities.

As experts say, if you eat a small piece (dissolving) 15-20 minutes before a meal, it will create a feeling of satiety. You can get by with less food without feeling any discomfort.

Good for pregnant women

According to research by psychotherapists, chocolate has been found to reduce anxiety and anxiety levels in women who are expecting a baby. And babies born to mothers who consumed chocolate, as it turned out, smile more often than babies whose mothers ignored this product.

Rich in minerals and good for the brain

Dark chocolate contains many useful substances and minerals, especially necessary for the human body. These are: iron, potassium, selenium and zinc. And flavonols actively prevent memory impairment in the elderly population. Caloric content – 544 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Prevention of diabetes

Medical research proves that dark chocolate is even a must for those with diabetes. This is done in order to develop sensitivity in the human body to insulin treatment.

In very small quantities, the chocolate bar can either prevent the onset of this common disease or delay its onset.

Types of chocolate

What is chocolate:

• dairy – milk or dry cream is added to the product;
• black (bitter) is the most expensive of all types. Contains only cocoa beans, cocoa butter and powdered sugar;
• white – is it chocolate if there are no cocoa beans in it?
• diabetic – for people with diabetes. It contains sorbitol or xylitol, which replace sugar;
• porous – here the porous structure of the chocolate bar. Prepared using a special technology;
• hot – melted hard chocolate is boiled in milk or cream. Satisfies hunger, gives strength and helps the body to keep warm.

The harm of chocolate

However, you should pay attention to moderation in the use of this product. Large amounts can be harmful to health. Better to limit yourself to small portions. It is in this case that the benefits for the body will be maximum.

It’s also important to remember that not all chocolate is healthy. Many products today contain harmful substances in their composition. Therefore, you should stop your choice on dark chocolate with the highest percentage of cocoa (70% and more). There will be no harmful additives in such a product.

• not recommended for people allergic to this product;
• excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and then obesity;
• remember that harmful trans fats (palm or coconut oil) are added to cheap chocolates instead of cocoa butter.

Video

Learn more in this video “Chocolate: health benefits and harms”

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