Great myths about chocolate.

Are you one of those who think that a food as rich as chocolate must necessarily be harmful to the body? Well don't believe it.

Many myths have been woven about chocolate, some better known than others, but with one detail in common: none has a solid basis in reality.

For your peace of mind, read the following information and you will see that you will not feel unhappy with yourself again the next time you feel like trying a chocolate, or savoring a bar, a caramel or a piece of chocolate cake.

Myth: chocolate is one of the main causes of acne.

Fact: The most recent studies show that chocolate has absolutely nothing to do with acne (and it's good to note in passing that sugar and candy don't cause it either). Acne, it is now known, is basically a physiological disorder related to hormones and the bloodstream. When the sebaceous glands of the skin produce too much oil due to hormonal changes, the pores get clogged with it and can even become infected causing blackheads and other blemishes typical of acne. And by the way, contrary to general belief, there is no scientific basis to conclusively prove that fat consumed as part of the daily diet can be transmitted to the surface of the skin via the bloodstream.

Myth: chocolate causes tooth decay.

Fact: Although certain tooth diseases (such as cavities) can be related to food, they also have a lot to do with a person's genetic makeup and oral hygiene. The most harmful foods in this regard are those that tend to adhere to the teeth, unless they are carefully brushed immediately after eating. Actually, milk chocolate bars generally have a component that blocks plaque production, considered the first step in tooth decay. What's more, cocoa butter makes the mouth clean itself quickly after eating a chocolate bar, reducing the development of cavities and other dental disorders.

Myth: chocolate is high in caffeine.

Fact: Manufacturers generally don't add caffeine to chocolate candy. Caffeine is found naturally in the cocoa bean, but only in small amounts. For example, a 30g (approximately 1 ounce) bar of chocolate has about 6 mg of caffeine, a very small amount compared to that in a can of cola (Between 32 and 65 mg), or a 150 g (about 5 oz) cup of coffee, which contains 40 to 108 mg.

Myth: chocolate has a very high cholesterol level.

Reality: milk chocolate bars contain a small amount of cholesterol, precisely due to the presence of milk. This amount is about 10 mg, about a third of the amount found in a glass of whole milk. On the other hand, cocoa, or dark chocolate powder, has a very low fat content. It is precisely for this reason that it is recommended to use it in the preparation of chocolate-based desserts intended for people who follow a low-fat diet.

Myth: chocolate is high in sodium.

Fact: a milk chocolate bar contains only about 45 mg of sodium. This ingredient is found in much higher amounts in other foods that are consumed on a daily basis. For example, a cup of whole milk contains 122 mg of sodium; a slice of whole wheat bread, about 132 mg; 30 g (about 1 ounce) Swiss cheese, about 440 mg.

I love chocolate and you? A good chocolate while I work with BCH how delicious ...!