Chocolate Myths and Truths
Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world. Despite its delicious flavor and the sheer diversity of different ways that you can prepare it. However, chocolate isn’t without controversy! It’s for this reason that we are going to take a look at this fascinating and popular foodstuff, and uncover some chocolate myths and truths.
Chocolate myths and truths
In the last few years, scientists have conducted a number of studies that have revealed the many benefits of chocolate. It turns out that eating chocolate has many health benefits. Nevertheless, throughout its history, people have spread many chocolate myths.
Is chocolate really good for our health? What are its benefits? Does chocolate make you fat? There are many questions that curious chocolate lovers have posed throughout history regarding the consumption of this scrumptious food. Science has the answers to finally debunk the myths and reveal the truths surrounding chocolate.
Myths and truths about chocolate
Does chocolate make you fat?
Most people associate the consumption of chocolate with an increase in weight. Nevertheless, you can consider this assumption to be a myth. The reason? Just like many other foods, chocolate doesn’t lead to excess weight if it’s consumed in moderate amounts. It should, in fact, be a part of a balanced diet.
With regard to the caloric content, approximately 100 grams of chocolate contains 500 calories. If the chocolate is darker and bitter, it may have even less calories than this.
The truth is, if chocolate is eaten in moderation, it won’t lead to the derailing of a balanced diet. In fact, experts recommend that you consume between 15 and 20 grams of chocolate daily. Both adults and children should do this.
Is chocolate good for the cardiovascular system?
Various scientific studies have proven that if you eat pure chocolate, it’s good for your cardiovascular system. The best chocolate to consume should have a high percentage of cacao. Of course, these findings don’t apply to milk chocolate or chocolate with a lot of sugar.
The components known as flavonoids, which are present in cacao, contribute to the dilation of the blood vessels. They can help to improve blood flow. This is why it is recommended that you consume 10 grams of dark chocolate every day.
Truths about chocolate
The relationship between chocolate and cavities
For many years, people have associated tooth decay and cavities with eating chocolate. This correlation is not exactly true. In fact, cavities arise due to hygiene issues, more so than dietary habits.
What really influences periodontal disease is the time that food remains in the mouth. This is the true cause of cavities.
Experts have shown that the theobromine compound, found in the cacao plant, can actually prevent cavities. It even reduces dental sensitivity. This compound can be found in pure types of chocolate. That is, the types of chocolate that are darker and bitter.
Does chocolate contribute to the appearance of acne?
This is another one of the great chocolate myths that you may hear. Acne tends to develop, in most cases, due to hormonal imbalances. There’s also a higher propensity to get acne at certain ages. Women are more likely to suffer with this during menstruation.
As we have seen in previous paragraphs, if you eat chocolate in moderate amounts, it should have no influence on the development of acne. It’s also best if you choose a dark and bitter variety of chocolate.
Chocolate is good for depression
Chocolate contains serotonin and phenethylamine. Researchers have shown that these two substances are good for improving your mood. In fact, they consider both of these organic compounds to be of an anti-depressive nature. They even have anti-aging effects.
When you eat chocolate, you get a certain sense of well-being. You may also experience a feeling of pleasure. Both of these improve the mood and emotional state of the person eating it. Theobromine is the compound responsible for stimulating the function of the brain and improving concentration.
Chocolate has been embroiled in controversies ever since its discovery. People have been theorizing about possible secondary or beneficial effects of chocolate. Each day, experts are discovering more and more benefits.
With the passage of time, experts have now confirmed that the moderate consumption of chocolate has no negative effects on health. Just remember to choose dark or bitter chocolate so you can enjoy all the associated health benefits.
