Dark chocolate: properties, benefits, and how much to eat

DARK CHOCOLATE

Un natural antidepressant. But also a natural food supplement, very useful for suppressing appetite when we need to lose weight.

Chocolate contains flavonoids, a member of the polyphenol family, which improve endothelial function, which is crucial in preventing atherosclerotic damage to the artery walls. Flavonoids also enhance cognitive performance, and cocoa generally helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Finally, among the stimulants, dark chocolate contains theobromine, similar to caffeine, which relaxes the lungs and counteracts airway constriction.

I benefits of the dark chocolate there are many, and they range from protecting the heart to the fact that it strengthens the immune system and helps find the concentration , the memoryAll good, on two conditions. First: don't overdo it, and don't exceed 30 grams per day. Second: choose dark chocolate with at least 70-75 percent cocoa.

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Il dark chocolate It's good, definitely. First of all thanks to cocoa and the nutrients it contains. But to choose the right product, and therefore reap the greatest benefits, you need to know two preliminary things. The qualities of dark chocolate are contained in the cocoa mass. And when we buy it, for example, at 50 percent, this means that half of the squares are made of cocoa mass and cocoa butter, and the other half is sugar, with all the drawbacks that this ingredient entails. Therefore, the cocoa percentage indicated on the label should never fall below 70-75 percent.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

For each 100 grams of dark chocolate, there are:

• 0,5 grams of water
• 6,6 grams protein
• 6 grams of lipids
• 300 milligrams of potassium
• 186 milligrams of phosphorus
• 51 milligrams of calcium
• 11 milligrams of sodium
• 5 milligrams of iron

BENEFITS

Le properties and benefits of dark chocolate They've been recognized for a long time. But the interesting thing is that they encompass different aspects of our physical and mental health.

• More good mood and less stress

Chocolate is a powerful natural antidepressant, thanks to the fact that it releases endorphins, capable of counteracting the trough and improve mood. At the same time, dark chocolate contains serotonin, which stimulates muscles and reduces stress.

• It's good for the heart

The effect on the heart is indirect, but significant. Dark chocolate, in fact, allows you to naturally lower the cholesterol “bad” and to reduce the blood pressureThanks to the antioxidants it contains, capable of protecting us from cardiovascular diseases.

• The effect on the brain

even the brain It works best due to the flavonoids found in dark chocolate. They improve cognitive processes and, consequently, strengthen memory.

TO KNOW MORE: Vegan Chocolate Muffins, the vegan recipe. With bitter cocoa, seed oil, and pistachios.

DARK CHOCOLATE FOR THE HEART

DARK CHOCOLATE FOR YOUR DIET

Among the good reasons for eating dark chocolate is that of diet. In fact it helps to lose weight.

• Reduces appetite

Pure cocoa contains phytochemicals that reduce cravings and appetite in general. This is why dark chocolate is often recommended as a meal replacement in diets.

• A natural supplement

Considering the quantities of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium and iron, dark chocolate is a natural supplement. It fights cramps and muscle pain.

• A helping hand for the blood

Thanks to the presence of flavonoids, dark chocolate helps thin the blood. This means better peripheral circulation and good arterial health, with preventive benefits for the heart as well.

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DARK CHOCOLATE AND SKIN BENEFITS

It took several scientific studies to prove the idea that dark chocolate can contribute to the development ofacne.

• It doesn't cause pimples

Pimples are a skin condition caused by several factors: genetic, hormonal, and environmental. The foods that contribute to them are those with a high glycemic index, which does not include dark chocolate.

• Prevents cancer

Rather, several scientific studies are examining a very important aspect of the benefits of dark chocolate: its cancer-preventing function. Studies focus on the fact that, thanks to its antioxidantsDark chocolate appears to reduce systemic inflammation, a powerful tool for preventing the development of potential cancer cells.

HOW MUCH DARK CHOCOLATE CAN YOU EAT PER DAY?

The ideal amount of dark chocolate is between 20 and 30 grams per dayMaybe not every day, and not always with the highest dose of this fork. The important thing, however, is to choose bars that have at least 70-75 percent cocoa, to avoid the negative effects of butter. Dark chocolate can be consumed at any time of day, but it's best to avoid consuming it in the evening. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system and certainly don't help. sleep.

TO LEARN MORE: Chocolate salami: the ancient recipe with leftover bread and biscuits. And almond milk.

DARK CHOCOLATE CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are some specifics contraindications on dark chocolate consumption that should be kept in mind. First of all, precisely because of the pleasure it provides, including mood and stress relief, dark chocolate can create a mild addiction. This can be avoided by discontinuing its consumption for a period of time. Furthermore, dark chocolate is not suitable for those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux or migraine, and for people who have the irritable colon or nickel intolerance. Dark chocolate is not recommended for pregnant women and is a toxic substance for dogs and cats, to whom it should never be offered.

TYPES OF CHOCOLATE

• Extra dark. Contains a cocoa content that can exceed 70 percent of the weight.
• Milk-based. It is made by adding powdered milk: the dry matter derived from milk must be at least 14 percent, the added sucrose no more than 55 percent, and the cocoa no less than 25 percent by weight.
• White. Contains no cocoa. It is a blend of cocoa butter (20 percent by weight), milk or dairy products (14 percent by weight), and sucrose (no more than 55 percent by weight).

OUR CHOCOLATE RECIPES:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Breakfast Recipe
• Baci di dama: a crumbly dessert recipe with a dark chocolate filling
• Chocolate Cake with a Soft Heart: A Dessert Recipe with a Delicious Surprise