Contents
All about chocolate
Chocolate: nutritional intake
“In 100 grams of 70% cocoa chocolate, there are approximately 9,25g of protein, 33,3g of carbohydrates and 41,9g of fat. All for 572 calories ”explains Paule Neyrat, dietician. Chocolate also contains fiber, mineral salts (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and iron). It is also rich in trace elements (copper and fluorine among others) and in B vitamins. Thanks to all of these elements, chocolate provides good calories, it is very energetic. “If you stay reasonable, it is not a food that makes you fat »Note Paule Neyrat.
Namely : the right dose of chocolate for an adult is between 5 and 10 g per day.
Is chocolate good for your health?
The cocoa butter of which chocolate is made contains fatty acid (oleic acid). It is also the same fatty acid that makes up olive oil. Now this one acts on bad cholesterol. Chocolate also helps protect the cardiovascular system and it decreases the risk of stroke. Another important point, it protects against the harmful effects of the sun (ultra-violet rays). But what does it contain to protect us so much? Polyphenols! It is a molecule, which is also found in green tea and which has antioxidant power. To benefit from the virtues of chocolate, you can eat a square or two of it during the day. Of course, it is recommended to have a balanced diet alongside.
Chocolate: source of well-being
“The anti-stress virtues of chocolate can be found in endorphins and magnesium, but also in the combination of fat and sugar in which it is rich,” explains Paule Neyrat. let’s remember that endorphin is the pleasure hormone. It is secreted by the brain when you eat chocolate for example! “Which explains why you can be addicted to chocolate! »Adds the dietician.
How to choose your chocolate?
If you are looking to indulge yourself while making the most of the virtues of chocolate, prefer those which are mentioned “pure cocoa butter”. Forget all the chocolate sweets, they contain vegetable fats like palm oil and it’s very fatty. Classic chocolate bars are preferred, unprocessed, they allow you to enjoy unparalleled taste pleasure. “The pleasure obtained by chocolate comes from its wonderful taste properties, from its multiple and sweet flavors invading the palate” insists Paule Neyrat.
Namely : dark chocolate must contain at least 48% cocoa, 30% for milk chocolate. Products labeled “chocolate” or “cocoa” must contain a minimum of 35% cocoa. Also know that white chocolate is not real chocolate, it contains only cocoa butter, powdered milk, butter, sugar and flavorings.