It has long been known that chocolate improves mood and also contains caffeine, which increases mental activity and gives a boost of energy. However, this is not the only reason not to deny yourself the pleasure and periodically enjoy this dessert. According to the latest research by scientists, chocolate, or rather the cocoa beans from which it is made, are a real miracle of medicine. They contain various active compounds that have pharmacological effects on the body, similar to medications. True, if you start eating chocolate often, it will be difficult to give it up later, since these same substances cause addiction to it.
Chocolate is good for your health for various reasons
Contents
- 1 How chocolate affects the brain
- 2 How chocolate affects health
- 3 In what cases is chocolate harmful
- 4 How much chocolate to eat to improve health
How does chocolate affect the brain
One of the active substances in chocolate is theobromine. By the way, because of this same compound, tea has a bitter taste. Theobromine is a member of the purine family of chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is the barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances. Purine substances, due to their ability to influence the nervous system, are also called psychoactive.After analyzing previous studies, scientists came to the conclusion that chocolate not only improves mood, but also gives a person energy and leads to an excited state. True, some people have experienced feelings of guilt, most likely this happens after consuming too much chocolate. Therefore, the amount of this delicacy must be limited. Thus, chocolate — this is an excellent remedy for melancholy and depression.
Cocoa beans contain theobromine and other beneficial substances
How chocolate affects health< /h2>
Not everyone knows that chocolate has been used as a remedy for centuries, to treat a variety of diseases such as anemia, gout, low libido and even tuberculosis. This, of course, does not mean anything, since in ancient times they used the most ridiculous methods of treatment that had nothing to do with real medicine. However, in the case of chocolate, its use in some cases was not erroneous.
Studies have shown that cocoa consumption has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. First of all, cocoa beans provide elasticity to the artery and prevent it from clogging with fatty plaques. This reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
In addition, eating dark chocolate has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, and also prevents the formation of blood clots. Let us remember that thrombosis is a dangerous disease, since the detachment of a blood clot often ends in death.
Chocolate is good for the cardiovascular system
Also, some studies have shown that dark chocolate regulates the ratio of cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins, which results in protecting the heart from attacks. But that's not all – scientists have discovered that some active substances found in chocolate normalize blood sugar levels.
In what cases is chocolate harmful?
Despite a number of beneficial properties, chocolate can be harmful for some people. Cocoa beans are a source of oxalates, which are one of the components of kidney stones along with calcium. Therefore, people who suffer from urolithiasis should limit their consumption of chocolate.
In addition, chocolate often contains many harmful additives, including fats, sugar, all kinds of stabilizers, emulsifiers, etc. All this can also cause harm health. Therefore, it is necessary to give preference to dark chocolate, which contains as few different additives as possible. You should avoid milk chocolate, and especially bars with various fruit flavors.
Scientists recommend eating only dark chocolate
How much chocolate to eat for better health
Daily average dose for a person is 20–30 g of chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more. Before purchasing, read the ingredients and try to buy chocolate that contains as few additives as possible. In addition, you should not perceive chocolate as a remedy for treating certain diseases. Its use is a means of prevention. If you already have diseases, you need to seek medical help.
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But you must admit that chocolate is one of the most enjoyable methods of preventing various diseases. By the way, people like it not only because of its taste. A few years ago, scientists found out what makes this dessert so attractive.