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Pastries, desserts and chocolate are the first victims in the fight for a good figure. Is it possible, while on a diet, not to deny yourself sweets? It turns out yes. Why chocolate is useful, says nutritionist Eva Kalinik.
Chocolate not only cheers you up, you have six more reasons to indulge in this delicacy.
1. Fights aging
Cocoa powder ranks high in ORAC (from the English Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, literally “the ability to absorb free radicals of oxygen molecules”), which makes it one of the richest foods in antioxidants. And as you know, antioxidants are the right tool in the fight against aging. In addition, they protect cells from harmful effects.
2. Improves brain function
Cocoa can be called «wise nutrition» as it is a natural source of magnesium and iron, which are essential for keeping the mind active and preventing dementia. These minerals also make us supermen — alert, strong and hardy. After all, magnesium and iron are necessary elements for the construction of the skeleton and muscle growth. And in chocolate there are vital calcium, zinc and copper.
3.Makes us happy
Cocoa beans contain the chemicals phenethylamine (PEA) and anandamide (AEA), which are responsible for feelings of love and joy. Thanks to them, a bar of chocolate acts like a drug on us, elevates our mood and causes a feeling of euphoria.
4. Prevents heart disease
Cocoa consumption has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, as its antioxidant flavonoids facilitate the work of the heart muscle. Antioxidants help transport nutrients to our cells faster.
“Chocolate not only does not spoil the figure, but also helps control appetite”
5. Prevents weight gain
Chocolate not only does not spoil the figure, but also helps control appetite. If you are insulin dependent, dark chocolate will replace the usual sweets, but without harm to health.
6.Replaces coffee or cold showers
Due to the chemical compound — theobromine — a natural alkaloid that causes mild excitement, chocolate can be compared to a cup of coffee in terms of effects on the body. If you want to wake up faster, run for a chocolate bar.
However, there is one caveat: the use of chocolate in large quantities can have a negative effect on the nervous system, so here, as in everything, a measure is needed. In addition, the oxalic acid in cocoa interferes with the absorption of calcium. Ideally, the daily dose should not exceed 50 g of cocoa powder or dark chocolate.
The higher the percentage of cocoa in chocolate, the healthier it is. Make sure that the treats do not contain refined sugar and contain only natural ingredients. To get the most out of your cocoa, choose cocoa powder or organic blends from trusted manufacturers. Now their choice is quite large, because the whole world prefers natural and environmentally friendly products. A simple step will help you get closer to a healthy lifestyle — replace your morning cup of coffee with a cup of natural hot chocolate. And a good day is guaranteed!