Research has shown that chocolate contains a number of substances that are essential for health, both physical and psycho-emotional. However, it “works” only with good dark chocolate, which has a high cocoa content. Because it is cocoa that makes chocolate a “healthy” product. White and milk chocolate do not contain so much cocoa, but they contain so much fat and sugar that they turn into a real calorie bomb.
A 40 g piece of chocolate contains approximately the same amount of phenols as a glass of red wine. Namely, phenols, which are present in red wine thanks to the grape seed, are extremely necessary for our body.
A study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet emphasizes that the substances contained in chocolate and red wine are especially effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. Who knows: maybe an evening spent with a glass of red wine accompanied by good chocolate helps to prolong life? In any case, there are some reasons to assume this.
Disease Prevention
Chocolate contains a number of powerful antioxidants that protect our bodies from cell damage, oxidative tissue damage, aging and disease. In particular, chocolate reduces the harmful effects of cholesterol on the body. And the immune system receives the required amount of polyphenols, as a result of which the overall resistance of the body to diseases increases.
The only drawback of “healthy chocolate” may seem to be the increased content of saturated fatty acids, which are not at all useful substances. But here, too, not everything is so scary. Basically, the composition of saturated fatty acids in dark chocolate contains stearic acid, which is considered more or less beneficial for the body.
Japanese scientists are working on the isolation of active substances from cocoa for use as ingredients of functional food: that is, one that brings us not only calories, but also benefits no worse than drugs. In particular, they are interested in two antioxidants: epicatechin and catechin, which are especially effective on cell membranes.
Rich source of vitamins
The advantages of chocolate are also evident because, due to the high content of cocoa, it is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals.
A few squares of dark chocolate can make up for a magnesium deficiency. This trace mineral is needed to build muscle mass, generate energy during exercise, as well as the proper functioning of the nervous system and a variety of metabolic processes.
In addition, chocolate is a good source of copper, which enhances the natural defenses of the skin, prevents the development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases and ensures a healthy complexion.
Moreover, chocolate contains a lot of fluoride, phosphates and tannins, which compensates for the harmful effects on the teeth of the sugar it contains.
Finally, chocolate just lifts your spirits, and there is a scientific explanation for this. The special balance of carbohydrates and protein in chocolate promotes the production of serotonin, a stress reliever.
Chocolate also contains substances that have a similar effect to marijuana: they help the brain to function in a relaxed manner. Chocolate has a double beneficial effect on the mental state of a person: it helps the body to relax and at the same time stimulates it. The stimulation is partly expressed in an increase in blood sugar levels, and partly in the direct effect on the brain of a substance called theobromine, similar to caffeine. Chocolate is the perfect snack to relieve stress while still slightly stimulating the brain: practically a lifesaver for students and knowledge workers.
So different chocolate
Chocolate contains a lot of fat, so you shouldn’t eat it in bars so as not to ruin your figure. However, chocolate does not pose such a threat to the waist as it might seem at first glance. Studies have shown that a significant portion of the fat in chocolate is not digested in the intestines.
In order not to miss the chocolate “harmless” for the figure, choose the one in which cocoa is not less than 70%, and milk – the very minimum. And try to see chocolate from an unexpected angle: it’s not only a mono product and an afternoon dessert, it’s also a good option for breakfast. If you combine a square of dark chocolate with a slice of whole grain bread, you will not want to eat soon after such a sandwich – thanks to the right combination of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Not to mention that the morning after such a breakfast will definitely not seem as dull as usual.