Learn how to choose healthy chocolate options

Expert explains how certain types of sweets can offer greater health benefits

July 7th is World Chocolate Day. And on this special date, lovers of cocoa-based desserts have plenty of reasons to celebrate: research conducted and published last year by the University of L’Aquila, Italy, shows that eating small portions of dark chocolate every day can be good for your brain.

The study, conducted over a three-month period, shows that daily intake of the bitter version can benefit human cognitive ability, improving basic elements such as attention, reflexes, agility in thinking, memory and even verbal fluency.

Benefits of Chocolate

Juliane Casas, coordinator of the Nutrition course at the Faculdade Anhanguera, explains that the benefits of chocolate Bitter bitters come from cocoa flavonoids, which are bioactives that can reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow to the brain. “This not only improves cognition, but it can also be especially helpful for older adults and the elderly,” she says.

Despite the benefits, the nutritionist warns against moderate consumption: “Although dark chocolate offers health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its caloric content. The recommendation is about 30 grams per day to obtain the benefits without overdoing it,” he warns.

Healthier options

Choosing the right chocolate can make the difference in enjoying its benefits. Juliane Casas recommends opting for bitter options with at least 70% cocoa, as they contain a higher amount of flavonoids and less sugar.

“For those who are used to milk chocolate, starting with versions that are around 50 percent cocoa can be a smoother transition for the palate,” she suggests. In homemade recipes that include chocolate, swapping out cocoa powder for chocolate powder can be a healthy way to get the benefits of cocoa without the added sugar and fat.

Be careful with some chocolates

The professional warns that it is also necessary to be careful about options that are not so healthy for your health. “It is important to emphasize that some types of chocolate, such as milk and white chocolate, can cause damage to your health if consumed in excess,” warns the coordinator of the Nutrition course at the Faculdade Anhanguera.

According to her, these varieties generally contain high levels of sugar, saturated fats and less cocoa than dark chocolates. “Regular consumption of these chocolates can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and even metabolic imbalances, such as insulin resistance. Therefore, it is essential to moderate the consumption of these types of chocolate for the benefit of overall health,” he concludes.

By Bianca Lodi Rieg

Source: Terra

Ben

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.