Benefits of Dark Chocolate that will surprise you.
Hello to everyone!
Before reading the article, I didn't know that dark chocolate, which I like very much, is so beneficial and of course I started to eat more:)
Let's start.
Dark chocolate basically contains a much higher percentage of cocoa, unlike other types. It provides many benefits for our body when consumed, provided that it does not exceed the recommended amount. As My Bitter Chocolate, we have compiled the benefits of dark chocolate for you, dear chocolate lovers.
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The story of Dark Chocolate goes back to 1100 and 1400 BC. In the Aztec and Maya cultures, which ruled in today's Central America geography and made great discoveries in the field of architecture and astronomy, cocoa was used as a kind of medicine or in some rituals.
Although the existence of dark chocolate was known in the early days, after the industrial revolution, milk chocolates, which are cheaper and easier to produce, have become widespread in order to meet the demand in the world. However, towards the end of the 20th century, due to the increase in the level of prosperity in the world, chocolate lovers who pursued the real taste regained its popularity to dark chocolate.
14 Benefits of Dark Chocolate
1-Known to have a preventive effect against Alzheimer's disease, which is frequently encountered today, dark chocolate also raises good cholesterol and has a blood pressure lowering effect.
2-Some data obtained as a result of the tests show us that dark chocolate creates a kind of antioxidant effect due to the substances such as polyphenols and flavanols it contains. After a certain amount of these substances are taken, they reduce the risk of many diseases, from cardiovascular diseases to asthma and diabetes. During a test, it was found that consuming dark chocolate more than five times a week permanently reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 57 percent. The observation that deaths from cardiovascular diseases decreased by 50 percent in another test conducted on 470 elderly men, especially over the course of fifteen years, proves to us that dark chocolate is a miraculous taste.
3-One of the observations of experts is that dark chocolate prevents blood clotting.
4-In another study, it is known that the subject group was given dark chocolate for 15 days as part of a healthy diet program, and at the end of 15 days, the subjects' blood pressure problems decreased.
5-It has been observed that dark chocolate, which is thought to have an effect on the protection of human skin against sun rays, provides a high level of immunity against the harmful rays of the sun on people who consume dark chocolate for twelve weeks.
6-Another finding is that the consumption of dark chocolate against obesity, which is becoming more and more widespread today, facilitates weight loss. In a study, one group of subjects consumed 100 grams of dark chocolate and another group consumed 100 grams of white chocolate. When the test was completed, it was observed that dark chocolate improves beta cells and increases insulin sensitivity due to the polyphenol substance it contains. Since the polyphenol substance is not found in white chocolate, the said curative effect was unfortunately not observed in the white chocolate consuming group.
7-As it is known, the most distinctive difference of dark chocolate from other types is the high amount of cocoa it contains. The anti-fatigue effect of cocoa is the most important factor that reduces the risk of dark chocolate lovers to be affected by fatty liver.
8-Business and urban life today is more stressful than at any other time in history. A substantial percentage of people in major metropolitan areas are dependent on antidepressants. Dark chocolate lovers, on the other hand, reach the feeling of happiness in the easiest, natural and delicious way, thanks to the ingredients such as phenylethylamine it contains.
9-It is possible to overcome situations such as pain and stress, which are among the most difficult emotions to cope with, thanks to the feature of dark chocolate that facilitates the secretion of endorphins.
10-Studies by the Institute of Health affiliated with Harvard University have also found that dark chocolate improves blood flow to the brain, making subjects 30 percent more successful in memory tests. In addition, high concentration and extra skill in solving problems are among the blessings of dark chocolate.
11-Thanks to the feeling of happiness it creates, it prevents our brain's tendency to pleasant, stimulating and addictive bad substances.
12-Thanks to the caffeine it contains, it provides the concentration and focus we need.
13-Thanks to the element magnesium, it helps us to cope with the stress in our daily life more easily.
14-Moreover, thanks to its intense taste and consistency, it has a satisfying effect, gives a feeling of satiety and helps us stay away from other snacks that can cause problems for our health.
CHOCOLATE MILK:
The ingredients of milk chocolate and dark chocolate are the same, what makes them different is that the proportions of cocoa and milk are different. While 25-45% cocoa is used in milk chocolate, this ratio varies between 45-90% in dark chocolate. The color difference in milk chocolate is due to the high amount of milk it contains. Although the cocoa in chocolate is beneficial for health, if it is milky, the benefit of cocoa turns into harm.
Since the bitter taste in dark chocolate is not found in milk chocolate, it is more preferred by people and especially children. Because it is soft, it takes shape easily, thanks to this feature, it is used more in decorations and pastry. Take a look at the image below, how beautiful it is. As I said, excess of everything is harmful. But chocolate is one of the most beautiful foods in the world… Eat 50 grams of chocolate a day (not more than that) and be happy.
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I love it too :)
White Chocolate
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Is White Chocolate Harmful? White chocolate is known as a very popular type of chocolate with its attractive appearance and being lighter than other chocolates. However, it is still debated whether white chocolate made using cocoa butter, sugar and milk has any health benefits or harms. Because this chocolate is prepared using only cocoa butter, some experts suggest that it causes weight gain. On the other hand, it is argued that it is beneficial because it contains high milk content.
It does not contain cocoa in white chocolate, but is prepared with cocoa butter. Therefore, it gives a chocolate taste. Compared to chocolates prepared with cocoa powder, it contains less vitamins and minerals, while white chocolate contains much more fat and milk than other chocolates. It is recommended to consume dark chocolate under control. Because it has many benefits to health due to its antioxidant level. But unfortunately, this antioxidant rate in white chocolate is almost zero. Apart from a few known benefits, this chocolate, which is highly preferred for ornamental purposes, unfortunately has serious harms. Let's take a closer look at them.
Since white chocolate is very high in fat, it is harmful to the body as a result of consuming more than a few pieces. Apart from causing an increase in the rate of bad cholesterol, it can cause serious problems such as atherosclerosis and heart diseases. At the same time, even if the fat in it is converted into energy, since it is not used for a long time, it can cause the formation of fat masses in some parts of the body. Consumption of more than one hundred white chocolate paves the way for sudden and rapid weight gain. Just 100 grams of white chocolate can cause almost 600 calorie intake. In addition, white chocolate, which also prepares the ground for fatty liver, can cause problems such as acne and pimples when consumed in excess. It is also a type of chocolate that is dangerous for diabetics.
Is White Chocolate Real Chocolate?
Although it is called chocolate, it is not considered chocolate because it is made only from cocoa butter and does not contain cocoa powder. To be real chocolate, it must contain cocoa powder.
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I love chocolate. Once I went to a cocoa plantation. There in that plantation they were going to give a course of elaboration of handmade chocolate. But they never gave the course.... ah!. Thank you very much for the sponsorship.