Is chocolate good for your health? Chocolate is a healthy treat and an ancient medicine. For the pancreas

We all heard that dark chocolate is much healthier than milk or white. This is explained by a higher content of natural cocoa beans and a small number of various additives. Let’s try to figure out how it affects health and how much it can be eaten daily.

Composition

Often buying black chocolate, we get a fake or a product very similar to it, but in an attractive package. This is due to the high cost of the delicacy ingredients. Unscrupulous manufacturers save by changing the recipe. Therefore, be sure to study the composition of the selected chocolate. If in the first places there: grated cocoa, cocoa butter and sugar, we have before us a product worthy of acquisition. Sometimes the last ingredient is missing, but never comes first or second.

The world's first chocolate bar was released in 1842 at the Cadbury factory.

No butter is added to dark chocolate except cocoa.  If the composition indicates palm, sunflower or any other - this is a confectionery tile. Dark chocolate contains at least 55% cocoa. If less is written - this is a fake. Natural dark chocolate cannot be perfectly black.It can be dark brown, and a too intense shade indicates the addition of piece dyes.

Calorie content

Almost all sweets have a high energy value due to the large amount of sugar in their composition. Chocolate is also a very nutritious product, so you need to consume it little by little. Even the most bitter varieties of it can easily spoil the figure, if you do not observe the measure.

The calorie content of different types of dark chocolate differs slightly:

• Extra black (cocoa bean content of at least 90%) - 541-555 kcal;
• Classic bitter (not less than 70% of cocoa) - 530-546 kcal;
• Dark Bitter (55-60% of cocoa beans) - 535-540 kcal;

Beneficial features

Chocolate contains a huge amount of nutrients, so its moderate use will benefit the body. It has long been proven that this delicacy can increase mood and performance. And the point here is not in delicious taste, but in the fact that it contains theobromine, a substance that can stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Chocolate can prevent heart attacks and strokes. American scientists have proven that it prevents the formation of blood clots. 40 grams of this product contains more antioxidants than a glass of red wine. This suggests that chocolate helps remove toxins from the body and rejuvenate it. A small piece of this treat will help normalize the pressure and put your heart rate in order.

There are a lot of vitamins A and B in this dessert, as well as phosphorus, calcium, potassium and iron. Therefore, it will be useful in the prevention of colds, as well as during strong mental or physical stress. Chocolate will help increase stress resistance and improve memory. And caffeine in its composition helps to speed up metabolism.

Cocoa trees can live 200 years, but only 25 of them occur during the fruiting period.

Numerous experiments conducted by doctors suggest that regular consumption of chocolate prevents the development of atherosclerosis. The substances contained in it make it impossible to deposit cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. And scientists have noticed that this is one of the few goodies for the teeth. The peel of cocoa beans contains substances that can envelop tooth enamel, protecting it from destruction. They inhibit the growth of bacteria that provoke the development of caries. There is even enough of the minimum amount of peel that accidentally enters chocolate. Its bulk, unfortunately, is sent to waste.

Positive effects on the female body

The good news for all lovers of chocolate - with moderate use (no more than 25-30 g daily), it is really useful for the female body. Many women suffer from brittle bones with age. Calcium, which is rich in chocolate, helps strengthen them and protects against fractures.

The ability of this dessert to cheer up helps women cope with premenstrual syndrome.  Only 25 g of your favorite treats will not only relieve nervousness or depression, but also reduce pain. And, of course, we must not forget about the antioxidants that are necessary to maintain our youth.

And chocolate is considered an effective aphrodisiac for women. Although such an effect has not yet been well studied, it makes sense to try it for yourself. For example, Madame de Pompadour, who is known as the lover of King Louis XV and a very influential person at his court, adored chocolate and used it to treat sexual dysfunction.

Why do men need chocolate?

The benefits of chocolate for men are often questioned. But it is known that it is the stronger sex that often suffers from elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases, and this dessert helps to prevent them. Therefore, do not be shy sometimes enjoy a piece of healthy dessert.

Chocolate will also be very useful for men engaged in the gym. It energizes and enhances human activity, which will not be superfluous before any training. A few pieces of this treat before exercise can help maintain a more stable blood glucose level and experience less oxidative stress. So, training will be more effective, and recovery after it is quick and easy.

For those who want to build muscle, it’s useful to eat a few pieces of dark chocolate before the gym, and those who want to lose weight - after.

Does dark chocolate help to lose weight?

It is difficult to call black chocolate a dietary product, since its energy value is too high. But it is often recommended to those wishing to lose weight. This is due to the ability of this product to accelerate metabolism. A piece of chocolate weighing 15-20 grams, subject to a balanced diet and adequate physical exertion, really helps to accelerate weight loss. But consider it a panacea.

The feeling of melting chocolate in the mouth is comparable to the pleasure of a kiss, but can exceed it in duration.

But sitting on a chocolate diet is not recommended to anyone.  Typically, this method of losing weight involves refusing any food, limiting the diet to 3-4 cups of coffee and a bar of dark chocolate. Such food can do nothing but harm. Due to the sharp restriction of calorie intake, a girl may suffer from dizziness and even fainting.

It is believed that chocolate provides the right amount of nutrients and uplifting, helping to cope with depression. But he is not able to give the right amount of protein for building muscles and organs, and fiber for normal digestion, as well as many minerals of vitamins, etc. Therefore, losing weight on such a diet can only be at the cost of losing health.

You can use bitter chocolate for weight loss without harming yourself if applied to the skin.  Those wishing to find a beautiful figure should try one of the salon procedures:

• Wraps help get rid of cellulite, remove excess fluid from the body and remove a few centimeters in the "problem areas";
• Massage also improves the condition of the figure, and also calms and helps get rid of depression.

Possible harm and contraindications

Dark chocolate is an allergen, so it is not recommended for young children.  But it should be noted that they often do not like the characteristic bitter taste. This product is contraindicated in adults with hypersensitivity to its components. Particular care should be taken in patients with diabetes, as well as people with severe obesity.

In general, these are all contraindications to chocolate. With moderate use, this product is not able to harm an adult. But this applies only to natural high-quality chocolate. For fakes, sweet bars and pastry tiles this rule does not apply.

Video: all about dark chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats, and if used properly, it can also become a medicine. This product has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, helps to remove cholesterol and toxins. If you consume no more than 50 grams of chocolate per day - this will cheer up the sweet tooth and will be useful to the body.

note

Bee pork is a real storehouse of vitamins and minerals and is used to treat diseases of the joints, stomach, liver, reproductive system, strengthen hair and nails. It rejuvenates the body and helps to cope with viral infections much faster. The product is recommended for the elderly, men and women, children and adolescents as a tonic. Athletes use beef to increase stamina and build muscle, and women to always remain young and attractive.

For many centuries, chocolate has been one of the most loved delicacies of millions of people around the world. True, in the modern solid form, chocolate was learned to make less than 200 years ago, and earlier it was used as a drink and was not available to everyone. Now chocolate is available to people with different income levels and different social status. Chocolate not only pleases with its wonderful taste, but can also have a healing effect on the human body. Unfortunately, chocolate can be harmful.

Before you figure out the benefits and harms of chocolate, it's worth talking about its types, because depending on the variety and composition, the properties of this amazing product vary greatly. The main ingredients for the manufacture of various types of chocolate, in addition to white, are grated cocoa, cocoa butter and powdered sugar.

The main types of chocolate:
Bitter (black) chocolate . In this type of chocolate, cocoa products should comprise at least 55% of the total composition. Dark chocolate has a pronounced aroma and a bitter taste. The more cocoa liquor and less sugar in such a chocolate, the more bitter it tastes and is more beneficial for an adult.
Dark chocolate.   In dark chocolate, the quantity of cocoa products should not be less than 40%. All kinds of ingredients (nuts, raisins, candied fruits, jams, alcoholic drinks and other additives) are very often added to this type of chocolate.
Milk chocolate. This type of chocolate is made with the addition of dried or cream. Milk chocolate has a milder and sweeter taste than bitter or dark and is the most popular among all types. In milk chocolate, as in dark chocolate, nuts (, etc.), raisins, jams and other ingredients are very often added.
White chocolate. White chocolate is prepared without the addition of grated cocoa. The color of white chocolate is cream, the taste is pleasant caramel. This type of chocolate is least useful for the body.

The most useful type of chocolate is bitter chocolate, since there are more cocoa products in it than in other types. It is cocoa products (cocoa liquor and cocoa butter) that have a beneficial effect on the body. Therefore, the following beneficial properties relate specifically to dark chocolate.

Useful properties of chocolate:

• Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that help slow down the aging process in the body.

• Useful for the nervous system. It favors the production of endorphin - the hormone of joy, which helps to cheer up and fight against nervous tension, stress and depression.

• Chocolate helps to improve human performance and is recommended for severe mental and physical stress.

• Moderate consumption of chocolate is useful for blood formation.

• It contains, and, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Helps protect against vascular and heart diseases (including atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke), helps normalize blood pressure, and prevents thrombosis.

• Dark chocolate prevents the destruction of enamel, protecting teeth from tooth decay.

• Strengthens bone tissue.

Chocolate Harm:
  Drinking large amounts of chocolate can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other unpleasant consequences.

Chocolate contraindications:
  Chocolate is contraindicated in people with diabetes. But there are currently many types of special diabetic chocolate that use sweeteners instead of sugar.
  Do not eat chocolate for people who are overweight, prone to allergies and metabolic diseases. In addition, for serious diseases, before you include chocolate in your diet, you should consult a doctor.
  Dark chocolate is contraindicated in children.

The rate of consumption of chocolate.
  Experts recommend that adults consume dark chocolate no more than 50 grams per day, and milk and white - no more than 25 grams.

Eat chocolate in moderation with pleasure and be healthy!

Chocolate, its health benefits (as well as harm) was already known to ancient Maya. The modern history of this product began in 1517, when it was initially sold only in pharmacies, and doctors recommended it for recovery from various diseases. And only in 1951 was the first book published on its effect on human health - on the beneficial properties and how harmful chocolate is.

Composition and quality

When asked which chocolate is the best, probably the answer is known to everyone. Of course, dark, containing 75-99% cocoa; a daily dose of about 50 g is considered optimal for prevention.

The consumption of this famous delicacy in large quantities is suitable for therapeutic purposes, but is not favorable due to calorie content.

A dark variety with a high percentage of cocoa contains a large amount of nutrients, as well as a significant level of soluble fiber and minerals.

In a tile (100 g) of a quality product, it contains (% of the recommended daily intake):

1. 11 g of fiber.
2. 67% iron.
3. 58% magnesium.
4. 89% copper.
5. 98% manganese.

In addition, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and selenium are present in it.

Calories, Fats, and Sugars

In general, the nutritional value of this product is very difficult to determine. It depends on its type (there is bitter, milky, white, with nuts ...) and differs in the amount of fat, milk and the percentage of cocoa.

Calorie wedges of chocolate (approximate amount per 1 wedge - 7 g):

1. Gorky - 30.
2. Dairy - 35.
3. White - 38.

Nutritional value and calorie content of chocolate per 100 grams:

1. Bitter
   The most healthy option. Unlike other species, it contains a higher percentage of caffeine (59 mg / 100 g). In addition, this variety also has a relatively low content of kilojoules: 2162 (respectively, the calorie content of dark chocolate is 517 kcal). Its advantage is the absence of cholesterol.
2. Lactic
     Together with white, it contains more calcium than bitter. This is due to the milk content. But at the same time, the calorie content of milk chocolate is also higher - 2250 kJ / 100 g, 538 kcal.
3. White
     In this variety, there is a minimum of cocoa and a maximum of fat - more than 33.2 g / 100 g. It has very little in common with the bitter variety, characterized by a high cocoa content (70%). It is made from cocoa butter, and it often mixes vegetable fats, which may contain unhealthy unsaturated fatty acids. The energy value and calorie content of white chocolate is very high: 2,528.95 kJ / 604.42 kcal.
4. With nuts
     In this variety, you should pay attention not only to the energy value: 2176 kJ (520 kcal), but also to high cholesterol: 21 mg / 100 g. With nuts and dried fruits. In practice, similar to the previous variety, but has fewer kilojoules: 2151 (514 kakal). However, it contains more sugar: 57.7 g / 100 g.

Antioxidants

Have you ever heard of the Antioxidant Properties of Food and Beverage (ORAC)?
  ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a scale for measuring the antioxidant rate of foods and drinks.

From the point of view of the real benefits to human health, the results of ORAC studies are often called into question, since they are all carried out in vitro in laboratories and do not directly work in the human body.

However, according to this scale, cocoa products are foods with a high level of antioxidant activity. They contain a wide range of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonols, catechins and others. One study showed their higher antioxidant activity than blueberries or Brazilian acai.

Improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure

Flavonols, which are contained in high-quality dark sweetness, stimulate the blood vessel endothelium to produce nitric oxide (NO).

One of the functions of nitric oxide is to transmit signals to the blood vessels about the need for relaxation; thus, their resistance decreases. This in turn lowers blood pressure.

However, modern medicine and dietetics are not so supportive of this effect. Despite the fact that many controlled studies have been carried out that have shown that cocoa and its products have an effect on pressure drop and improved blood circulation, this effect, as it turned out, is insignificant.

However, there are also studies that have failed to show any effect on blood pressure. Therefore, a clear question is whether it increases or decreases pressure until it exists.

HDL cholesterol elevation and LDL oxidation protection

As it turned out, we are talking about a treat, which is recommended to be included in the diet (in reasonable quantities!) For people leading a healthy lifestyle. Consuming high-quality sweets can lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Controlled studies have shown a significant decrease in oxidized LDL particles in the blood. In addition, there is an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in LDL with their overestimated rates.

The oxidation of LDL cholesterol occurs as a result of its reaction with free radicals. This leads to the fact that LDL itself becomes a radical and destroys surrounding tissues, especially the blood vessels that nourish the heart.

Due to the high content of active antioxidants that enter the bloodstream, the effect of dark sweetness is to reduce the number of LDL particles in the blood. Thus, there is an effect of protecting lipoproteins from damage by oxidative stress.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

This means that in the long term, the risk of damage to the arterial walls and, consequently, of cardiovascular diseases is reduced.

There are several controlled studies that have demonstrated a significant effect of the substances on the state of the vessels. One of them shows that with the use of goodies at least 2 times a week, the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques is reduced by 32%. With less frequent use, these positive effects will not occur.

Another study found that eating sweets 5 times a week reduces the risk of death from heart disease by 57%.

Insulin resistance and diabetes

Until recently, there was exclusively a dia product. The problem is sweeteners, product quality, sugarcane or agave syrup, which are not suitable for diabetics. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the fructose content.

However, recently studies have been conducted aimed directly at studying the effects of this, beloved by many goodies, on the body of a diabetic.

According to British scientists, there is no harm to people with this diagnosis, on the contrary, a bitter variety can help by maintaining optimal cholesterol levels. Especially suitable for diabetes is a treat with pieces of cocoa and rich in polyphenols.

Protect your skin from UV rays

  Biologically active substances have a protective effect on the skin. Flavanols protect it from damage caused by the sun. They also improve hydration and increase blood circulation.

The minimum erythema dose (MED) is the minimum amount of ultraviolet radiation that causes redness of the skin after 24 hours of exposure to sunlight.

A study conducted on 30 people showed that after 12 weeks of regular consumption of dark varieties of delicacies with a high content of flavonols, there was a doubling of MED (i.e., a double dose of solar radiation should be applied to the skin).

Thus, if you are planning a long sun exposure, it is advisable to stock up with a sufficient dose of flavonols.

Improving brain function

Chocolate is also good for the brain, having a positive effect on improving brain functioning.
  In one study, healthy volunteers consumed a product with high doses of flavonols for 5 days. The result was an improvement in blood flow to the brain.
  Cocoa significantly improves cognitive function in the elderly with their violation. This is reflected, for example, in improving verbal expression.

Cocoa also contains stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine, which have a positive, albeit short-term effect on brain function.

Stomach ulcer

With gastric ulcer, it is advisable to exclude products that stimulate the production of gastric juice. Unfortunately, the considered popular sweetness also belongs to them.

"Sweet" weight loss

When losing weight, a bitter variety in no way hurts! The basis is the right choice. You should give preference to a treat with a cocoa content of at least 50% (even better - 70%). Although it does not melt in the language (), it belongs to the so-called. "Superfoods" along with green tea, and salmon. And, on the contrary, milk sweets with a high percentage of fats, carbohydrates and chemical additives will successfully destroy any attempt to lose weight!

On the ideal amount, suitable for use with weight loss, discussions are ongoing. Some nutritionists recommend 20-30 g 3 times a week, others - the same amount every day. Therefore, in this matter you should rely only on yourself and the reaction of your body.

Source of good mood

  Do you suffer from stress and bad mood? This is another reason to eat the sweetness that pampers the taste buds and cheers you up! Scientists were able to prove the fact that the world's most famous sweetness causes a feeling of happiness and well-being.

At least, so say Swiss scientists, researchers, who within 14 days examined 2 groups of people. The participants of one of which ate 40 g of goodies per day, the second group was deprived of such pleasure. Results?

Those people who indulged in “sweet pleasure” had a much lower level of stress hormones measured. Thanks should be given to the anandamide contained in cocoa beans. It is he who creates a feeling of well-being in the brain, and therefore is a good medicine for depression.

Gastritis and pancreatitis

Although it is a very tasty sweet, and most people cannot imagine life without it, unfortunately it should be avoided.

This should be done because this delicacy irritates the intestinal mucosa, and can cause irritable bowel syndrome or provoke an acute attack of the present disease.

Cough

Theobromine contained in cocoa has the ability to block the activity of sensory nerves and, thus, prevent coughing up to 3 times more effectively than codeine, which is usually used to treat a disease.

When choosing sweets, you must follow the rule that the more cocoa, the better, otherwise you may find that you have not only not gotten rid of the cough, but also gained weight ...

Theobromine amount (mg / 30 g):

• bitter - 400-450;
• milk - 60.

Constipation

According to a 2005 study, in people suffering from chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, this good treat can aggravate symptoms.

But there are conflicting results from other studies that claim that this product, on the contrary, helps with constipation. You decide…

Headache

The substance tyramine present in chocolate is a known triggering factor. This should be paid attention to people at risk (migraine in a personal or family history). However, there is good news: the more cocoa powder present in the treat, the greater the risk of headaches.

Teeth

The damage to teeth, according to the results of numerous studies, is exaggerated and is minimal. An important role is played by fluorine contained in cocoa and cocoa butter. It forms a coating on the tooth surface that protects against bacteria due to the content of tannins.

Aphrodisiac

Exciting properties were already known to the Mayans and the Aztecs, the ruler of Montezuma, according to historical records, drank dozens of cups of liquid chocolate per day. They loved to feast on Casanova and Dubarry. At the same time, according to recent studies, women are more susceptible to the effects of phenylethylamine than men.

Beauty of hair and skin

  Chocolate for face and hair has been used since time immemorial. Thanks to it, collagen production is stimulated, which makes the skin smooth and supple.

Gentle face mask
  The mask for healing the skin and smoothing the complexion is effective thanks to the biologically active substances contained in cocoa. Just heat the high-quality sweetness in a water bath, let it cool slightly and apply to clean skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Hair Mask
  Give your hair new strength! Mix 3 tbsp. fat-free cottage cheese with warm water until smooth. Add 1 tbsp. cocoa and mix again. Apply the mixture evenly to the hair. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Thanks to the regenerative and moisturizing properties of the mask, the hair will gain a beautiful shine.

Treat for children

Due to the popularity of this delicacy, the question of how old you can give it to your child is always relevant. It should be borne in mind that it can act on young children as an allergen, therefore it is not recommended for use by children under 2 years of age (the maximum amount of 2 years is 50 g).

The following question can also be related to the children's theme: is it possible for a nursing mother to have chocolate? But, in this case there is no single answer. It all depends on the individual tolerance of both the mother and the baby.

Try starting with a minimum dose of 20-30 g per day. Eat only a bitter product, avoid dairy and, especially, white because of the high percentage of fats and sugars, which can adversely affect the digestion of the baby.

Ah, this allergy ...

There is no allergy to chocolate; its individual components cause it.

Symptoms of an allergy vary depending on which component caused it.:

• diarrhea;
• vomiting
• nausea;
• swelling of the mucous membranes of the lips and tongue;
• dyspnea;
• irritability;
• skin rash (it is often called "acne from chocolate");
• stomach ache;
• anaphylactic reactions that can jeopardize life.

Components that may cause unpleasant reactions:

1. Milk.
2. Peanut.
3. Gluten.

Despite the health benefits common, beloved by everyone, sweetness should be consumed as an independent food, not combining with another. An important factor is the quantity - you should not eat it in large portions, otherwise, instead of beneficial effects, you risk getting harm and the allergy mentioned above.

A sweetness, familiar from childhood and not needing magnificent epithets in order for the appetite to wake up and want to more likely feel this magnificent taste in the tongue.

One word, three syllables, seven letters. Chocolate. And in my head there immediately arise mountains of milk, white, porous, with raisins, nuts, dried apricots, fruit filling, so alluring and sweet ... Or extra black, the most bitter and classic - are there many lovers of this taste? And is it true that it is he who, of all his “brothers and colleagues”, is the most beneficial for health?

How is it made?

Real dark chocolate is obtained after fresh cocoa beans are dried, roasted, squeezed out of them oil (by special pressing) and cocoa powder (also using a special technology), sugar is added to them (in the case of the dietary option, various substitutes are used) . The higher the percentage of cocoa, the brighter the taste and aroma of the product. However, many still prefer milk chocolate to dark. To obtain it, sweets also include milk or cream.

But it is black, and sometimes extra black, with a high cocoa content (such species have recently begun to appear more and more on sale) that is associated with a real chocolate flavor. He, however, is not loved by everyone.

Dark chocolate: the benefits and harms - that's what you should consider as much as possible. After all, there are too many myths and legends about him. For example, they claim that sweetness is useful in the following cases.

Bitter chocolate. Benefits and harm to the body

First of all, of course, they are trying to determine the effect of the product on the physical condition of a person. Should I use bitter dark chocolate as a medicine? Its benefits and harms as opposite concepts are described below.

For vessels

The benefits of dark chocolate are proven by its effect on cerebral blood flow. A dosage of 100 grams of this product changes the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, improves its circulation throughout the body. Regular consumption of sweets will help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce the likelihood of strokes.

Is it so?

"Cholodotherapy" really works. The information is confirmed by a number of experiments conducted by Australian scientists. The subjects were given exactly the same dose of one hundred grams. In real conditions, the main thing is not to abuse the product. A similar dosage above is used only in extreme, single cases.

For heart

Cocoa beans - an essential component of real dark chocolate, are characterized by a high content of flavonoids. They are responsible for lowering blood cholesterol, and this is an undeniable benefit.

Dark chocolate costs only 30 grams per day, and this will be an excellent prevention against cardiovascular diseases.

Evidence

Numerous studies have confirmed that the use of bitter (more than fifty percent cocoa content) chocolate can be an addition to the treatment of heart disease or even a means for their alternative treatment.

Against cough

The already mentioned theobromine, one of the alkaloids that make up the well-known product, has one interesting property. As it turned out, with it you can cure an ongoing cough. True, it is not clear: does this apply to any chronic diseases or only to typical colds.

Where did the information come from?

Clinical studies have shown that theobromine is thirty-three percent more effective than codeine previously used to produce cough medicines. According to the plan, new medicines should enter the market in about two years. In the meantime, for prevention, you can eat a couple of pieces of the tile, and at the same time treat yourself to such a wonderful product as dark chocolate.

Sweetness for the soul

A large percentage of cocoa in the composition determines the great benefits and harms of dark chocolate. Its 90% content is a favorite sweet, however, it can be very difficult to find on store shelves. Experts argue that it is such a chocolate that is best to choose among other varieties. Why can it be used to benefit yourself, your body?

For weight loss

Danish nutritionists argue that dark chocolate, the health benefits and harms of which is a controversial topic of discussion, can help people trying to lose weight. Sweetness should contain more than seventy percent cocoa in order to reduce appetite and at the same time give energy. In addition, caffeine and phenol in the composition contribute to the burning of fat. Ordinary chocolate does not have such an effect, as shown by studies of scientists from Copenhagen.

Objections

British experts put on one of the first places among the products that cause a serious blow to the figure, dark chocolate. The benefits and harms of losing weight, in their opinion, do not balance each other: there are much more minuses when using this sweetness, and they all consist in too many calories.

For happiness

It is widely known how chocolate can help with depression, and just a bad mood. Sadness has been treated with this sweetness for quite some time. They argue this effect on well-being with the content of cannabinoids, as a result of which there is a feeling of euphoria, as well as magnesium, which is involved in the production of serotonin.

Fairy tale or true story?

Italian scientists appeared before society as destroyers of legends, refuting the idea of \u200b\u200bchocolate therapy against autumn-winter spleen, since the dosage of such a medicine should be about 13 kg in order to actually have any effect.

However, this does not negate the fact that true lovers of the product can really cheer up with just one piece because of the wonderful rich taste.

For arousal

Theobromine in chocolate makes it an aphrodisiac, some say. Sometimes its exciting property is exalted so much that it is compared with the notorious “Viagra”. The use of dark chocolate in this case even sounds very doubtful. And yet, it is precisely this theory that continues to be heard by everyone.

How are things really?

For the desired effect to appear, sweets will have to be eaten more than a pound, or even a kilogram. And then you don’t even have to solve the dilemma posed by bitter dark chocolate: the benefits and harms on the two scales of the scales will cease to constantly swing them each in their own direction. Ultimately, the device will stop at the second option: in everything, you must observe the measure!

The only thing you can vouch for is that chocolate will definitely give the body extra energy. And then the person’s choice is what to spend it on. In this regard, dark chocolate without sugar is preferable.

Benefit and harm: debunking myths in one fell swoop

Myth 1.  Chocolate causes skin problems: rashes, blackheads, black spots, etc.

Reality.  In fact, the situation is that the cause of such troubles is not sweetness, but hormonal failure.

Myth 2.  Chocolate is harmful to enamel, the structure of teeth and gums, and causes stone.

Reality.  In fact, dark chocolate is not only not harmful, but also useful. It has an antibacterial effect and therefore is an excellent tool for the prevention of caries.

Myth 3. Chocolate is contraindicated for allergy sufferers.

Reality.  Sweetness rarely causes an allergy in and of itself. True, chocolate is capable of enhancing an already existing allergic reaction, but almost never be an independent cause. It is quite possible to avoid the first option when eating the product in moderation (in fact, this rule applies to any food: eat what you love, but little by little).

Just do not overdo it!

It seems that everything looks quite harmless and even optimistic and positive: chocolate gives happiness, joy and health. And although none of the above facts is completely denied, all this is reliable information, it can not be said that dark chocolate only benefits.

In some cases, the dosage is responsible for much: and then weight loss turns into a mass gain, and consumption for health leads to a worsening of the condition. It should be borne in mind that for an adult, the daily dose is not more than 50 grams. And then it must be distributed for the whole day.

In addition, when choosing a chocolate bar, it is very important to pay attention to its composition: how much sugar is contained in the product, whether vegetable fats are natural and, again, what is the percentage of their content in the tile. Protein-containing sweetness itself can affect muscle mass and improve muscle tone, while the supplements that manufacturers are happy to offer to consumers are more likely to cause fatty deposits.

Chocolate in large quantities before bedtime will lead to overexcitation and cause insomnia. That is why it is better to leave sweets in the fridge the next day. Eat a couple of slices in the morning - energy and a positive mood in the coming hours will be provided!

By the way, scientists, in principle, recommend including all sweets in the morning diet. The well-known proverb “Eat breakfast yourself, share lunch with a friend ...” also secretly alludes to this. No discrimination sweet tooth - just a feature of the human body in the distribution of energy.

Chocolate is harmful for people with eating disorders, allergies (it is debatable about warnings described above), patients with diabetes have to limit themselves in the use of this sweetness.

But, despite this, this article clearly demonstrated that the benefits of a favorite product are much greater than the harm!

Summary

If you have a choice, eat dark chocolate or not, feel free to stop at the first option! Perhaps at first it doesn’t seem so sweet as milk or white, but if you try it a little better, feel this unimaginable taste, and it will immediately become a favorite sweet.

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats in the world. It has a lot of useful properties: improves heart function, prevents the formation of blood clots, helps to cope with stress, and it also has trace elements and vitamins. But you need to use it within reasonable limits (the recommended norm is 25 g per day), otherwise you can harm your health.

Chocolate harm

• Chocolate is a high-calorie product. One chocolate bar (100 g) contains more than 500 kcal, which is about 1/5 of the daily diet. Excessive use of this delicacy leads to the fact that fat begins to be deposited between the muscles, in the connective tissue and under the skin.
• The composition of chocolate has a large amount of fat (up to 40 g per 100 g of chocolate), which negatively affects the cardiovascular system.
• This treat contains caffeine, which can trigger heartburn, gastrointestinal diseases, nausea, and an enlarged prostate in men. Even from one mug of chocolate, the pulse increases, blood pressure rises. People who have suffered a heart attack and stroke, it is better to abandon this product.
• The harm to chocolate for the body will be significant if you use cheap products from an unknown manufacturer.
• Small producers often replace expensive cocoa butter with palm and coconut oil. Such chocolate products will contain trans fats, which can provoke hormonal imbalances, overweight, atherosclerosis, malignant tumors and other serious pathologies.
• Chocolate can enhance the allergic reaction. Therefore, as soon as the first signs of any allergy appear, the sweetness must be stopped for a week.

Myths about the dangers of chocolate

• Chocolate provokes acne and acne. For many years, this product was considered the main enemy of skin rashes, but scientists have denied this. Chocolate has no effect on the inflammation of the sebaceous glands.
• Chocolate contains a lot of cholesterol. This is not entirely true. Cholesterol is found in animal products, and the main ingredient in chocolate is cocoa beans. Quite a bit of it can only be in dairy varieties.
• Chocolate causes allergies. This product very rarely causes allergies. But this applies only to quality products.

Chocolate is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus, uric acid arthritis, diseases of the pancreas, liver and stomach. It’s good for others to consume sweetness, but in small quantities. Choose only quality products from a well-known manufacturer and carefully read the composition. Better to use bitter varieties, they are more useful.

White chocolate does not contain cocoa powder, therefore, does not have the beneficial properties inherent in chocolate. Whether you have sweets or not, just do not abuse them and everything will be fine with your health.