There are few foods more desired and consumed around the world than chocolate. It is, without a doubt, a true pleasure for all the senses and a joy for many. However, few people know that chocolate can be part of our daily lives. of a healthy and balanced diet, as long as it is the appropriate and healthiest.
In the following article we are going to talk about how chocolate can be part of your daily diet and of its health benefits and risks.
Chocolate classes
Dark chocolate
It is a type of chocolate that contains a high percentage of cocoa and less sugar than other types of chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids and consumed without excess can be part of the daily diet.
Milk chocolate
usually have powdered or condensed milk and very little cocoa. It's much sweeter than black cocoa due to the amount of sugar it contains.
White chocolate
It is not a chocolate as such since it does not contain cocoa solids, It only contains cocoa butter, sugar and milk.
Functional chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa
This is a type of chocolate with very little sugar and a high cocoa content. It is the ideal chocolate for those people who follow a healthy diet.
What are the benefits of regular chocolate consumption?
Dark chocolate can have certain health benefits, as long as it is consumed in moderation:
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that help to combat oxidative stress and slow down the signs of aging.
- The flavonoids present in cocoa are good for cardiovascular health. Eating chocolate in moderation helps improve blood circulation and lowers bad cholesterol.
- Eating dark chocolate helps to improve mood and have more energy.
- Eating dark chocolate in moderation is good. for cognitive and brain function.
- pure cocoa It is rich in fiber and helps curb the appetite. This is why it's a perfect food to include in a weight-loss diet.
Why you shouldn't overdo it when eating chocolate
Leaving aside the benefits, eating more chocolate than necessary leads to a series of health risks:
- Chocolate has quite a few calories, both white and milk chocolate. the amount of sugars and fats It's quite important. Overdoing it can lead to unwanted weight gain.
- Milk and white chocolate contain a large amount of sugars that can lead to the formation of cavities or the development of of diseases such as diabetes.
- The caffeine present in chocolate can cause various health problems. such as stomach pain or insomnia.
Diets and chocolate
Mediterranean diet
In this type of diet, dark chocolate can be included thanks to the presence of antioxidants and flavonoids.
Keto diet
The dark chocolate of 85% or more can be part of the keto diet without any problem.
Vegan diet
In the market you can find some types of dark chocolate 100% vegan.
Diet for people with diabetes
Chocolate without added sugar can be good for people with diabetes. It should be consumed in a controlled manner. under the supervision of a physician.
Some tips for consuming chocolate properly
- It is advisable to opt for chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa (85% or more).
- Don't hesitate to read the labels to know what ingredients the chocolate is made of.
- Don't overdo it and enjoy it in a moderate way.
- Avoid eating chocolate before going to bed.
Some myths about chocolate
As for the myths about chocolate, the vast majority are false or erroneous:
- Different studies have been able to corroborate that chocolate does not cause acne or other skin problems.
- If it is consumed in a moderate way, chocolate doesn't have to make you fat.
- The chocolate It is not addictive.
- White chocolate is not the same as dark chocolate, as it has hardly any cocoa and many more sugars and artificial additives.
In short, although many people think otherwise, chocolate can be part of your diet, as long as it's consumed in moderation. The best is undoubtedly dark chocolate, as it offers many health benefits. In the case of milk and white chocolate, They are not healthy at all due to the high amount of sugar they contain. So, don't hesitate to incorporate dark chocolate into your daily diet and fully enjoy a true pleasure for all five senses.