Should You Be Eating Chocolates?

Who doesn’t like chocolates? Chocolates re aone of those things most people can’t say no too? Numerous studies also have shown some health benefits of eating chocolates. But is chocolate really a healthy food? And should you be eating chocolate?

Things To Consider Before Eating Chocolate

Is Chocolate Really “Good”?

Cocoa beans – the main ingredient in chocolate – contain natural polyphenols. There is some evidence that polyphenols help reduce blood pressure and have antioxidant properties. However, chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fats. This is a net energy (caloric value), which can lead to overweight and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthier sources of polyphenols are legumes, fruits and vegetables.

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Chocolates Give An Illusion Of Energy

Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine, which helps to feel more energetic. When you are hungry, it is better to arrange a snack, which provides a gradual release of energy. Choose foods with less sugar and fat, but rich in fiber (a small sandwich, a toast, an apple or a serving of unsweetened porridge).

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Is Dark Chocolate Really That Good

Dark chocolate contains more cocoa mass and cocoa butter than milk, however, the amount of polyphenols directly depends on how the product is processed. Therefore, dark chocolate is not necessarily more useful. During the manufacturing process, cleaning, fermentation, roasting and adding additional ingredients (emulsifier or sugar, for example) from dark chocolate to cocoa, polyphenols are almost completely removed.

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Should You Snack On Chocolates

Any excess energy that you consume will lead to weight gain. One chocolate bar on average contains 250 calories. This is equivalent to 10% of the recommended daily dose for men and 12% for women. And all this you swallow in just a few minutes. In order to lose energy derived from chocolate, a 50-year-old man should walk for 45-55 minutes.

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Are Chocolates Addictive

There is no evidence that chocolate is physically addictive. Simply, our feelings towards chocolate are usually positively charged, since we associate it with pleasure, reward and a holiday. It is because of the pleasant associations that it is very difficult for us to control how much we eat. Instead of abusing chocolate, try to get pleasant feelings in other ways. For example, a walk in a beautiful place, communication with a friend or a hobby that you love will help.

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Hot Drinks

Cocoa powder, used for the production of hot chocolate, contains less fat, because it does not include cocoa butter and other fats contained in the tiled product. However, depending on what is mixed with cocoa powder, a hot drink can contain as much energy (calories), fats and sugar as it usually does in 1-2 medium chocolates. Be wary of hot chocolate made of full-fat milk and served with high-energy additives (whipped cream, marshmallow). But it is possible to replace the chocolate with a drink prepared on the basis of semi-fat, one-percent or fully fat-free milk and cocoa powder, slightly sweetened with sugar or its substitute. This is also quite nutritious, however, you will save 100 calories.

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Sugar-Free Chocolates

Most people who suffer from diabetes usually consume chocolate in moderation. But in fact, there is no need to buy special diabetic chocolate products, which often contain much more energy and fat, which can also raise the level of glucose in the blood. Instead, if you still decide to eat chocolate, eat a small amount after eating – so your body will digest it more slowly.

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Porous Chocolates

No, energy, fat and sugar in 100 grams of chocolate mass for a porous product is not less. Just the presence of air makes it less dense than solid chocolate, so it turns out that you get less of all these ingredients. Note that porous chocolate is sold in larger tiles than regular hard, eliminating any health benefits.