Chocolate produces well-being and stimulates the brain

Thinking that chocolate is a harmful and harmful food for the human body is a big mistake. It is true that chocolate, with a cocoa percentage of more than 70%, contains excellent properties not only for the brain but for a multitude of systems in the human body.

First of all, you have to know the ingredients of this food very well and evaluate its properties. Currently, the qualities and percentage of cocoa chocolate have a different nutritional value.

If we review the history of cocoa, Christopher Columbus was the first European to know the cocoa tree, when in 1502 he was given as a gift in Guanaja, Honduras, with a type of almonds that the indigenous people used as currency. During the 1780th and XNUMXth centuries, the first chocolate factories in history were born in Europe and the United States. In our country, the first chocolate factory dates back to Barcelona in XNUMX.

Each Spaniard consumes an average of 3,5 kilos per year, a really low amount if we compare it with other European countries that exceed 9 kilos per year. As a curious fact, the Kuna indigenous people of Panama drink about 40 cups of chocolate per week. , and, surprisingly, they hardly suffer from hypertension, overweight, or senile dementia, and the incidence of heart attack, cancer and diabetes is 10% lower than that in Spain.

There are many brands of chocolates and bonbons, but I have to highlight one of my favorites: Jeff De Bruges, in Zaragoza, which has a high level of quality of fresh Belgian chocolate with high nutritional values, very suitable for reducing stress and improving our quality of life.

The consumption of chocolate can cause a certain dependence, because it allows the production of psychostimulant substances, highly recommended for fatigued and stressed people, which produce a feeling of happiness. But, as with any food, excesses are bad, so taken in moderation it can be very beneficial for your health.

NOT ALL ARE EQUAL:

The higher the content of cocoa, or cocoa paste, the greater its contribution of flavonoids and therefore it will be much healthier. The minimum amount of cocoa contained in a particular chocolate is indicated on the product label in the form of a percentage of cocoa, for example 75% cocoa. Milk chocolate contains much less cocoa than dark chocolate and therefore, fewer antioxidant substances, however it has a higher percentage of saturated fats, those from cocoa butter and added milk and sugars. As for white chocolate, it does not contain cocoa or cocoa paste, since it is made only with cocoa butter, milk powder, sugar and soy lecithin. Therefore, it provides many fats and sugars but none of the anti-oxidant substances. And it is important to note that some manufacturers have replaced added sugars with artificial sweeteners such as maltitol (a member of a family of bulk sweeteners known as polyols or sugar alcohols). . It has a pleasant sweet flavor and is remarkably similar to that of sucrose), or by others of natural origin such as stevia (a plant of the Stevia rebaudiana species from which several benefits are obtained) which is much healthier and lacks calories, But since chocolate is very rich in fat, even if it does not contain sugar, it will still be very caloric.

TYPES OF CHOCOLATE

•White chocolate

Without cocoa, it has more sugar and fat.

•Milk chocolate

It is the most common and has some amount of cocoa, milk and sugar.

• Ruby or pink chocolate

It is a new type of chocolate, containing 47,3% cocoa, milk and sugar. Its pink color is natural, since it is made from the Ruby cocoa bean, so it has no flavorings or colorings. In addition to this, its red fruit flavor is characteristic.

•Medium bitter chocolate

It is the one that has 40 to 55% cocoa, a small amount of cocoa butter and sugar.

•Dark or bitter chocolate

It is the one that contains the most cocoa, between 60 to 85%, and the least sugar and fat.

WHICH SHOULD WE TAKE

The best chocolate for health is the one that has a high percentage of cocoa, since it not only contains more flavanols, but also less sugar. If possible, choose a chocolate with 70% cocoa, although 65% would be fine. Milk chocolate also contains flavanols. 

10 BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

1. It protects the heart because it promotes adequate blood flow because it has powerful antioxidants belonging to the group of flavonoids, which are catechins, epicatechins and procyanidins. The protective effect, at a cardiovascular level, is a consequence of its high concentration of polyphenols, substances that plants synthesize to protect themselves from droughts and when we consume them, we benefit from this protection. Specifically, polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. This is especially important at the level of the blood vessels and heart as it helps improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, the intake of dark chocolate reduces cardiovascular risk factors by moderating blood pressure, reducing inflammation of cardiovascular tissue and protecting it from deterioration, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.
2. It is rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, nutrients that further promote the synthesis of the neurotransmitter par excellence that influences mood, serotonin.
3. It stimulates the central nervous system and the cardiac muscles, since it has theobromine, which is a substance with an action similar to caffeine;
4. It gives a feeling of well-being, as it stimulates the hormone serotonin, improving mood and relieving stress.
5. It has a slight stimulating effect, thanks to its high theobromine content, and can improve mood. This occurs since its components also include tryptophan, an essential amino acid precursor of the neurotransmitter that intervenes in processes related to the person's mood, serotonin.
6. It helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation because it produces nitric oxide, which is a gas that helps relax the arteries.
7. It helps improve brain function, because it increases blood flow to the brain and because it contains stimulant substances such as caffeine and theobromine, thus helping to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's.
8. Protects the skin against the sun thanks to its bioactive compounds such as flavonoids that protect the skin against damage caused by UV rays.
9. Increases the feeling of satiety. It is excellent for weight control, always consumed in moderation.
10. It produces the hormone Oxytocin, a hormone of well-being and happiness, helping to improve stress.