Experts explain how eating this dessert promotes the well-being and health of the body
Chocolate is a food consumed all over the world and with a very interesting history. Its origin dates back to the ancient civilizations of Central and South America, where cocoa was used as currency and a ritual drink. It was only after Europeans arrived in the region that cocoa became known to the rest of the world.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquerors brought the fruit to Europe and, from there, the production and consumption of chocolate expanded throughout the world. The modern chocolate making process involves roasting and grinding cocoa, adding sugar and other ingredients such as milk.
Health benefits of chocolate
The more bitter and dark the chocolate, the healthier it is. This is because cocoa mass contains a significant amount of good fats and is a major source of polyphenols (bioactive compounds important for metabolism protection).
“Polyphenols are associated with beneficial effects, therefore cocoa and dark chocolate (the one that has cocoa as the first element in the list of ingredients on the back of the package) have taken on significant importance and can be added to the food habit with values nutritional and functional effects,” says nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcia.
Here are 10 health-related reasons to consume dark chocolate:
1. Improves the cardiovascular system
A number of benefits to the cardiovascular system can then occur regular food intake and beverages containing cocoa. “Chocolates with the highest concentration of cocoa have a vasodilatory action, improve vascular function and have antiplatelet activity, preventing the formation of fatty plaques inside the arteries”, explains vascular surgeon Dr. Aline Lamaita.
two. They have antidiabetic function
According to a Swedish prospective study, cocoa and its flavonols improve insulin sensitivity by regulating glucose transport and insulin signaling proteins in insulin-sensitive tissues (liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle), preventing oxidative and inflammatory damage.
Therefore, cocoa components also offer important action as an antidiabetic agent, especially with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). “This is of particular relevance given the emerging worldwide epidemic of metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia. […]”says Dr. Marcella Garcez.
3. It prevents weight gain
Recently, studies have investigated the preventive or therapeutic effects of cocoa and its constituents against obesity and metabolic syndrome. “The smell of dark chocolate was evaluated in a clinical study to control the appetite response. Chocolate produced a satiety response, reducing appetite, so it may be beneficial for preventing weight gain […]”says Dr. Marcella Garcez.
Dark chocolate can also work in combination with other nutraceuticals and have positive effects on the lipid profile. A 4-week cross-over study of 31 overweight or obese adults determined that daily consumption of almonds (42 g/day) alone or in combination with dark chocolate was effective in lowering total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol ( LDL). The authors concluded that incorporating cocoa beans and dark chocolate into a diet, without exceeding energy requirements, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
4. Improve the intestinal microbiota
In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of the intestinal microbiota and its alterations as a result of eating habits. The human gut is home to the gut microbiota, a huge collection of microorganisms that play key roles in energy storage and metabolic disorders.
“In a human intervention study designed to investigate the influence of high cocoa flavanol intake on human fecal microbiota growth, the authors estimated that intake of 494 mg of cocoa flavanols per day for four weeks had a significant effect on the development of the intestinal microbiota,” explains Dr. Marcello Garcia.
5. Helps the nervous system
There is evidence of some beneficial factor in the central nervous system. “The polyphenols (micronutrients) in dark chocolate can act on the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological functions through the release of nitric oxide (neurotransmitter), responsible for vasodilation and increased cerebral blood flow which supplies oxygen and glucose to neurons , leading to increased blood vessel formation and maintenance in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the polyphenol-dependent antioxidant potential may contribute to the improvement of some neurodegenerative disorders,” says Dr. Marcella Garcia.
6. Stimulates happiness
According to studies, the intake of chocolate is also linked to emotional aspects, increasing the brain synthesis of serotonin, the famous happiness hormone that produces a feeling of energy and pleasure. However, one must be careful when consuming chocolates with a higher sugar content, since initially carbohydrates are also involved in this process, but their excess can also cause metabolic disorders and increase the sense of guilt.
7. It has an aphrodisiac effect
Chocolate exerts several effects on human sexuality, mainly acting as a aphrodisiac. “Cocoa powder and chocolate contain substances which, together with other components of chocolate (such as caffeine and theobromine), produce a transient feeling of well-being,” says Dr. Marcella Garcia.
8. Prevents anemia
Rich in iron, cocoa may also help prevent anemia. “Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the body and which is normally found in smaller quantities in case of anemia,” explains the doctor. While 100g of cocoa contains 13.9mg of iron, every 100g of beans, generally cited as a good source of this mineral, contains 5.1mg.
9. Helps maintain skin health
According to dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff, dark chocolate does not cause pimples, contrary to what many believe. “Thanks to the high concentration of cocoa in its formula, dark chocolate is, in fact, an ally of skin health, as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help provide luminosity and hydration to the skin tissue, as well as helping to protect the damage from UV rays, prevent wrinkles and fight free radicals,” she points out.
attention to consumption
Even if you opt for dark chocolate, it is important to be careful of excessive consumption, because, regardless of the cocoa concentration, chocolate still has sugar and saturated fats. To obtain the benefits, the ideal is to consume between 25 g and 50 g of chocolate per day, favoring options with a higher concentration of cocoa, such as darker chocolates or pink chocolate.
By following these tips, the delicacy can be eaten without guilt. “This is because, in general, chocolate has a low glycemic index and if it has more than 65% cocoa, it is a food that has many functions and health benefits,” concludes Dr. Marcellus Garcia.
Edited by Maria Claudia Amoroso
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
