Let’s talk about chocolate, this delicious food that many of us can’t resist because of its aroma, texture and sweetness. for its aroma, texture and sweet taste. The best friend of many for moments of sadness and joys, which can not miss in desserts or in our lives.
Although we love it and surely we feel guilty every time we eat it, there are many of us who are not able to resist it.tions about chocolate that we don’t know and would be surprised to learn. Did you know that there are different types of chocolate and that its properties can be beneficial to your health? We tell you in this article!
- Related article: “10 foods rich in iron ideal to combat anemia”.
What is chocolate
Chocolate is a highly energetic food that has cocoa as its main ingredient.. Thus, a chocolate bar is made to a greater or lesser extent by cocoa powder or paste and pulverized sugar. But it must contain at least 35% cocoa to be considered chocolate.
As it is not only the product of the cocoa fruit, chocolate usually provides a large amount of calories, sugars and fats, depending on the type of chocolate it is.Depending on the type of chocolate it is, and that is why it is the first thing we decide to take out of our diet when we want to lose weight.
However, there are certain types of chocolate that provide us with more benefits from cocoa and less sugars, so we could consume moderately this type of chocolate daily (no more than 2 ounces and even a little less depending on the nutritional plan).
The 3 types of chocolate
In order to choose the chocolate that is most beneficial for us, we must recognize the 3 main types of chocolate. Here we do not include its variations such as chocolate with nuts or with fruits, because after all they are variations of the same type of chocolate.
Milk chocolate
Milk chocolate, the most common and popular type of chocolate, in addition to cocoa mass and sugar, is also composed of cocoa paste and sugar.In addition to cocoa mass and sugar, it is also made with milk. It is usually the chocolate we like the most, because of its sweet and creamy taste at the same time. We can also find it in different presentations and variations.
As for the distribution of its percentages between cocoa mass, milk and sugar, we can find different measures, but generally the percentage of cocoa is below 50%. It is quite common to find it with 20% cocoa, so the rest is sugar and milk. Some of these chocolates are made with artificial sweeteners and vegetable fat.
2. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate or bitter chocolate, as some people call it, is the type of chocolate type of chocolate that is made only from cocoa paste and sugar, although it can also be mixed with fruits, nuts, vegetables and fats.It can also be mixed with fruits, nuts and other flavorings. This is the healthiest type of chocolate for our organism, since it has at least 50% cocoa. Likewise, the higher the percentage of cocoa, the less sugar we consume and the more beneficial it is for us.
Ideally, we should always opt for dark chocolate with a minimum of 65% cocoa, and therefore less sugar and less fat. This is the type of chocolate we eat in balanced nutritional plans. You will find that with 2 chocolate pills you will be more than satiated.
3. White chocolate
Although it is very popular and consumed, the wrongly called white chocolate is not really a type of chocolate, since it does not contain cocoa paste, which is the fundamental ingredient for it to be considered chocolate. Instead, it is made with cocoa butter, sugar, sweeteners and milk solids, so it is the one that provides the most nutritional value.It is therefore the highest in fat and has the sweetest taste (and the most delicious, for many).
Properties and benefits of chocolate
We already know that there are different types of chocolate and that dark chocolate is the one that brings us more benefits and properties of cocoa, the main ingredient of this food.the main ingredient of this food. Here are the properties and benefits of this type of chocolate, which is the one with 50% cocoa.
1. Properties of chocolate
Every time we eat chocolate, its multiple properties and nutrients enter our body. multiple properties and nutrientsThe chocolate is a food rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial for the good functioning of our organism. Chocolate is a food rich in fiber, iron, manganese, copper, monounsaturated and saturated fats, caffeine, theobromine, selenium and zinc, among others.
2. Chocolate contains flavonoids
One of the properties of chocolate that are very beneficial for our organism are the flavonoids, which act as antioxidants that protect our skin from free radicals and protect it, among from free radicals and protect it, among other things, from the harmful effects of the sun.
They also They also stimulate and facilitate blood flowThey also stimulate and facilitate blood flow, as they prevent congestion of the arteries and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And let’s not forget its aphrodisiac effect, as it improves blood flow to the sexual organs and its delicious aroma invites pleasure.
- Related article: “9 aphrodisiac foods to awaken more than just the senses”.
3. Improves our brain functions
By stimulating blood flow, chocolate helps to improve our brain functions. helps improve our brain functions, such as memory and concentration.such as memory and concentration. But not only this, it also improves our vision by increasing blood flow to our retinas.
4. Improves our mood
It is not for nothing that we decide to eat chocolate when we are sad, because one of the benefits of chocolate is that it improves our mood.
This is due to the saturated fatty acids it contains, such as stearic acid and palmitic acid. These stimulate our neuronal activity in the regions of the brain related to pleasure, so we feel happier.so that we feel happier. Try it especially in the pre-menstrual phase of your period.
5. It gives us energy
If you need an extra boost, you should know that chocolate provides a lot of energy. With just one chocolate bonbon we have the energy needed to run 150 meters, so it helps us in moments of fatigue, stress and tiredness.
- Related article: “10 foods you can consume every day.”