Dark Chocolate - Health Benefits

An amazing product based on cocoa beans quickly won the hearts of the sweet tooth of the whole world. And when its useful properties were found out, doctors and nutritionists paid close attention to it. The most valuable quality is recognized as his ability to raise the mood and remove from depressive states. In second place is its high calorie content, in third - an amazing taste, from which it is impossible to break away.

Dainty comes from childhood

The taste of chocolate for many is associated on New Year's holidays or a birthday, a first date or a meeting of friends. In any case, these are very happy memories. Therefore, when you look at the smartly packed tiles, a smile involuntarily appears on your face, but chocolate is not only a tasty treat, but also a very useful product.

Its history began far from Russia, in the homeland of cocoa, in Latin America. Like the kauri shells of the island peoples, cocoa also served as a unit of account, then it turned into a tart bitter drink with an invigorating effect and only then was a recipe reminiscent of modern chocolate invented and tested. The Olmec people were the first to pay attention to cocoa beans, for the holidays a special drink was made from the fruits of the tree, the Maya took up the tradition, adding hot pepper to the recipe and allowing it to be tasted only by leaders and great warriors. The Aztecs continued the history of chocolate. Until the sixteenth century, cocoa did not leave the mainland.

Spanish conquistadors delivered grain to Europe, where a new round in chocolate production began. The recipe has changed, red pepper has been replaced by sugar. The delicacy was very expensive and was available literally to units.

You should know: The first chocolate houses, replacing tea and coffee houses, opened in Paris and London.

Joseph Fry received the first solid mass by adding cocoa butter to the mixture. From this moment begins the life of the chocolate bar. Thanks to George Cadbury, chocolate bars and marmalade appeared in the glaze.

Foreigners brought fashion to Russia in the 18th century. The unusual taste was not immediately appreciated, at first they followed fashion trends more, and when they tried it, production immediately increased several times. For the nobility, we carried out individual orders, wrapping tiles in velvet and gilded paper with elegant postcards inside.

Even then, the unusual properties of chocolate, giving vigor, awakening energy and improving memory, were noticed.

Dark Chocolate Composition

The main ingredients in the production are cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar. As additives, raisins, puffed rice, nuts, grated cookies and waffles, vanilla and other components that give the taste a variety of shades are used.

Of the useful substances it contains:

• calcium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• vitamins of group B, E, PP;
• polyphenols;
• theobromine;
• theophylline;
• antioxidants;
• flavonoids.

They affect the production of the hormone of happiness, which improves mood. The calorie content of dark chocolate is 550 kcal. on 100 gr. The most delicious and high-quality chocolate is produced with the strictest compliance with GOST indicators. Well-known manufacturers adhere to this formulation:

• Victory of taste;
• Babaevsky;
• Russian chocolate;
• Confil;
• Bogatyr.

These brands rarely sit on store shelves, because consumers know them well and prefer to pay a little more, but enjoy the whole spectrum of taste, rather than the straightforward sweetness of confectionery tiles.

Beneficial features

It cannot be argued that chocolate is a panacea for all ills, but certain properties benefit the body. With regular use, he:

• strengthens blood vessels;
• stimulates the work of the heart muscle;
• removes PMS;
• reduces headaches and sore throat;
• reduces the development of diabetes;
• uplifting;
• relieves fatigue and weakness;
• detoxifies the body;
• protects and nourishes the skin, improves its tone;
• has an antiviral effect;
• treats anemia;
• facilitates the condition with female menopause;
• improves the condition of hair and nails;
• prevents a stroke;
• holds sugar and cholesterol within the burrow;
• increases stamina;
• helps control weight.

The daily norm is 50 g. for an adult and 30 for toddlers. Exceeding it is not recommended, since excess can provoke the appearance of diathesis.

Differences between dark and bitter species

They have a similar effect on the body, but the difference in taste and composition is quite significant. First of all, this is the content of cocoa beans. In the bitter 80-99%, in the dark within 50%. Due to this indicator, dark chocolate melts easily in the mouth, fingers, and in the sun. Its caloric value is higher, so the norm is limited to 1-3 slices per day. Those who did not manage to stay within the framework of the rational, are facing a mild upset stomach. The risk of allergic reactions is higher, so milk tiles are more often bought for children. But for a presentation to a business partner, it fits perfectly, especially when its taste preferences are unknown.

Important: Dark chocolate is recommended to eat in the morning, since the sugar content is higher and eaten at night, it can cause insomnia.

Harm and restrictions on the use of goodies

First of all, chocolate should not be eaten in kilograms, it is more a dessert than food. It is very important to choose high-quality chocolate, since confectionery tiles and products of unscrupulous manufacturers contain various impurities that reduce the cost of the product. As a result, soy, palm oil, trans fats, which worsen well-being, are found in the composition. Such a product can be distinguished by an acidic taste in the tongue. Such a treat will not benefit and may provoke gastritis, heartburn, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

You should not eat chocolate for those who are allergic to cocoa. A reasonable approach to quantity is necessary for problems with excess weight, frequent migraines and high blood pressure.

Carefully have to calculate the dosage for patients with diabetes mellitus, people prone to edema and malfunction of the digestive tract. In no case should you eat an expired product, it can even cause poisoning. It is not fatal, but very unpleasant.

Selection tips

In order to leisurely enjoy the rich taste of dark chocolate, you need to know the secrets of its choice. Among the huge number of brands and manufacturers it is easy to get distracted by a bright wrap and give up on buying. Therefore, going to the counter, it is recommended:

1. To study the composition so that it does not have third-party additives.
2. Look at the expiration date, it should not exceed 10 months, if it is over a year, then this is not chocolate.
3. There must be a mark of compliance with GOST.
4. The price matches the quality, too cheap tiles can be fake.
5. Outwardly, the delicacy is even dark in color without white coating.
6. A piece melts in the hands.
7. The tile breaks with a quiet crunch, does not stretch.
8. Cocoa content should be within 50%.

It is clear that no one will allow you to bite, break and conduct other tests in the store, but you should outline a chocolate that is suitable in quality, its point of sale and go there for a treat. Such a tile will bring not only taste pleasure, but also benefit.

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