In addition to being a real treat for the taste buds, chocolate is said to have many health benefits.
What is chocolate?
Chocolate is a food made from cocoa paste and sugar, obtained through roasting and grinding cocoa beans. These beans come from the cacao tree and are found specifically in the pods.
During the manufacturing process, these cocoa beans are harvested, dried, and then roasted. Once the raw material is extracted from the bean, it is ground and mixed with other ingredients (milk, dried fruit, vanilla, biscuit…), and finally molded into different shapes.
What are the different types of chocolate?
The main types of chocolate are:
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains the highest percentage of cocoa, and its taste is very often bitter. It is made without milk and with less sugar compared to milk chocolate and white chocolate.
- Milk chocolate: Milk chocolate, on the other hand, is sweeter and creamier. On average, it contains 10% cocoa and 12% milk.
- White chocolate: unlike dark chocolate and milk chocolate, white chocolate does not contain cocoa. It is made from cocoa butter and milk.
What are the health benefits of chocolate?
Eating 20 grams of dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa daily, or 2 small squares from a bar, provides a very good amount of antioxidants to the body and proves to be a true health ally.
Ideally, you should choose a chocolate that is certified "organic", because cocoa bean crops very often use pesticide treatments.
Here are the main health benefits of chocolate:
Protecting the body from free radicals
Chocolate is one of the foods richest in flavonoids. These are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce their harmful effects. According to a study conducted by the British Universities of Exeter and Brighton on the human aging process, they may therefore be essential in preventing several diseases (cataracts, arthritis, cancer, etc.) and combating premature cell aging.
The amount of antioxidants present in cocoa is said to be two to three times higher than that of green tea and wine.
Maintaining cardiovascular balance
Dark chocolate is known for its benefits to the cardiovascular system. In fact, consuming dark chocolate is believed to improve arterial function and blood circulation.
According to an Australian study published in May 2013 in the British Medical Journal, dark chocolate, thanks to its high flavonoid content, may prevent bad cholesterol (LDL), lower blood pressure and improve coagulation and dilation of blood vessels, thus limiting the risk of heart problems or cardiovascular diseases.
Improve mood and boost morale
Chocolate is a very good source of magnesium because it is rich in cocoa. Magnesium is an essential trace element for the body to combat fatigue and stress .
Cocoa also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that plays a metabolic role in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and provides a feeling of calm and well-being. This might lead one to believe that chocolate acts as an antidepressant*.
* https://inews.co.uk/news/health/eating-dark-chocolate-depression-ucl-study-321057
Finally, simply eating chocolate brings pleasure, satisfaction, and comfort because it promotes the release of endorphins in the brain. These have an anxiolytic effect, meaning they soothe anxiety and calm nerves.
Ensuring the well-being of the gut microbiota
In addition, dark chocolate contains a significant amount of fiber, so its consumption helps to limit constipation by stimulating intestinal transit.
Its polyphenol content also contributes to strengthening the intestinal lining, which is one of the bulwarks of the immune system.
A 100g bar of 70% dark chocolate is rich in fiber. It contains approximately 15 grams of fiber, more than some vegetables such as zucchini, endive, or cucumber.
According to a study* published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry , cocoa, being rich in polyphenols, exerts a beneficial prebiotic effect on the bacteria present in the intestines.
*https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286321002746?via%3Dihub
To maintain a healthy gut microbiota , eating chocolate isn't enough. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to provide sufficient fiber. This can also be combined with a course of probiotics to alleviate intestinal issues.
Stimulating intelligence, memory and learning
A study published in the British journal Nature and carried out by researchers from Columbia University in New York suggests that consuming chocolate improves memory and learning abilities thanks to its flavonoid content.
Consuming chocolate may also boost intelligence; indeed, it is beneficial for the brain. According to a British study published on November 24, 2020, in the journal Scientific Reports , flavonoids may slow brain aging by improving oxygenation and cognitive alertness.
In summary, cocoa may offer health benefits, but it should not be forgotten that chocolate remains a treat rich in sugar and fat.
Délicure's Déli'balls: a crispy chocolate/CBD snack
These crispy balls are available in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.
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