What is harmful chocolate, the rules of choice and the rate of use

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Chocolate is the favorite treat of adults and children. Throughout the history of this delicacy, scientists have not ceased to study how useful or harmful it is to the human body. The controversy does not subside for quite a long time, which has led to the emergence of numerous myths around him. What are the benefits and harms of chocolate? This will be discussed in the article.

History of the sweet product

Chocolate is made by adding fat and sugar to cocoa powder. The latter is obtained from cocoa beans. They grow in hot climates, mainly in South and Central America, in Africa.

We are used to chocolate in the form of rectangular bars. The first to use it were the inhabitants of South and Central America. In those days, it was used as a hot drink, which was prepared from ground cocoa beans with the addition of spices. Chocolate acquired its modern form only in 1847. A British chocolate factory has made a new product by mixing cocoa powder with fat and sugar.

And the Nestle company produced chocolate in 1930based on milk, vanillin, sugar and butter, without using cocoa powder. Thus, a white product with a delicate creamy taste was born. The most famous chocolate producers are France, Belgium, USA, Switzerland, Germany and the UK.

Types of chocolate and its composition

What's wrong with chocolate? To understand this, it is necessary to talk about its composition. Currently, three types of chocolate are produced - white, milk and black. Many prefer the latter type. Such people are absolutely right, because such a product contains only crushed cocoa beans, butter and other natural ingredients. This composition is unique to dark chocolate. Of course, it also contains vanilla, sugar and emulsifiers. In real chocolate, the content of cocoa beans must be at least 55%. The most useful is a black product, because it contains unsaturated and organic fats, starch and dietary fiber. Useful properties enhance the vitamins PP, E, B contained in it and minerals (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron). It's no secret that dark chocolate has a pronounced bitter taste. But that doesn't diminish his appeal.

Milk chocolate got its name because of the content of milk powder in it, which is added, partially replacing cocoa beans. Thanks to this, the product has a lighter shade and a creamy taste. Milk chocolate is recommended for children. After all, kids do not like the bitterness contained in black.

As for white chocolate, it can hardly be calledsuch. The fact is that there are absolutely no cocoa beans in it. But on the other hand, it contains up to 20% cocoa butter, as well as condensed or powdered milk, milk fat and sugar.

Product benefits

What is harmful and useful chocolate? Speaking about the benefits of the product, they mean exactly black. The fact is that it contains antioxidants that protect against the appearance of neoplasms.

Caffeine, theobromine, polyphenols prevent blood clots, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Regular consumption of reasonable amounts of chocolate can prevent the appearance of blood clots, problems with the cardiovascular system. The substances contained in the product normalize blood pressure. Chocolate is also useful for autoimmune ailments, such as arthritis (rheumatoid). It has a beneficial effect on the memory of older people, stimulating brain activity.

Chocolate's polyunsaturated acids fight cholesterol. In general, the product has a positive effect on the body, improves intestinal activity, strengthens the body due to the vitamins it contains.

You, of course, will have a question: “How harmful is chocolate if it contains only useful substances?” The product can bring not only benefit, but also harm. It all depends on how much you consume. Normally, you can eat no more than 50 grams of chocolate per day. In this case, the product will not harm you, but will only have a positive effect. A piece of dark chocolate can save a person from depression. After all, it containsserotonin "happy hormone" Chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins.

The harmful properties of chocolate

There have always been numerous disputes around the favorite delicacy. This is due to the overall popularity of the product. Conventionally, all people can be divided into two camps: admirers of dessert and opponents. The latter are stubbornly trying to prove the negative effect of cocoa powder on the body. Why chocolate is harmful has not yet been definitely proven, despite numerous studies. Most likely, talk about the dangers of goodies is greatly exaggerated.

So why is chocolate bad? The product is contraindicated for people:

1. For diabetics.
2. Allergy sufferers. The product itself does not cause allergies. But it is able to increase the negative manifestations of the disease.
3. Overweight. In this case, white and milk chocolate are contraindicated. But don't give up on a piece of black.

Debunking the myths

This sweet treat is surrounded by many myths that are not entirely true. Let's debunk them.

It is very common to hear that chocolate is unhe althy. It provokes the appearance of acne and acne. Of course, if a person eats only sweets, then one could believe this statement. In all other cases, it is not necessary to talk about the truthfulness of the words. Problematic skin is the result of malnutrition, which leads to malfunctions in the hormonal system. Chocolate can only be harmful if eaten in large quantities.quantities. In other cases, it is only useful.

Is chocolate bad for teeth?

Why is chocolate bad? Opponents of the treat claim that it destroys tooth enamel and provokes the appearance of caries. But this is absolutely not true. In fact, everything is just the opposite. A small piece of dark chocolate is the best prevention of caries. Canadian dentists came to such an interesting conclusion. In their opinion, cocoa butter protects teeth from decay by enveloping them with a film. In addition, chocolate contains antibacterial substances. Therefore, harm from it simply cannot be.

Does eating treats lead to obesity?

There is another myth that chocolate causes obesity. However, this statement can apply to any other sweets. Eating a lot of chocolate is bad. But it is unlikely that you will eat three or four tiles a day. Moderate consumption of a few slices of chocolate will not only do no harm, but, on the contrary, will benefit.

By the way, dark chocolate can be part of your diet. And do not be surprised, because there is a chocolate diet, which involves the use of only this sweet product as food. Reviews testify to the success of this method of losing weight. Dark chocolate burns fat, it is a good source of energy, which is consumed for a long time. Some nutritionists even recommend a few slices of pre-workout treats.

Caffeine

Chocolate is believed to be high in caffeine, a debate about which has been raging for decades. If previously stated that thisthe substance negatively affects the body, now scientists, on the contrary, recommend using it. If you are afraid of not falling asleep, then you should not eat a treat before bed, as its invigorating effect is undeniable.

Chocolate is no less dangerous than a cup of brewed coffee. One bar of goodies contains only 30 grams of caffeine. And this is about five times less than in a cup of drink.

Addiction or pleasure?

Chocolate's opponents claim that it is addictive, which manifests itself in the need to use it again and again. But studies of experts do not confirm this fact. Chocolate is no less dangerous than any other tasty product that you like. Only excessive use of it can harm.

Harm to the liver

It's not uncommon to hear that chocolate is bad for the liver. However, recent research proves that this statement is unfair. The experiments, which involved patients with cirrhosis of the liver, showed the positive effect of chocolate, which reduces the level of pressure on the internal organs. However, we are talking about dark chocolate. Wise use of it will only be useful.

Is the product harmful to children?

Experts believe that chocolate should not be given to babies under three years of age. This is due to the fact that the immunity of children during this period is only being formed, so there is no need to overload the body. From the age of three, the baby can gradually be accustomed to adult food. In a week, a child can eat no more than onechocolate bars, but only if it is a natural product. You can only offer a slice of sweets on a full stomach. Children are advised to give milk chocolate, since black contains theobromine, which causes poisoning. The substance can cause vomiting and nausea, stomach problems and headaches.

Many mothers are concerned about the question, is Kinder chocolate harmful? A small amount of it can not cause significant harm to the body. The negative impact of the product is usually associated with high sugar content. If a child sometimes enjoys dessert, then this cannot provoke obesity. A piece of chocolate can very quickly calm the baby and improve his mood.

But it is strictly forbidden to give a treat to those children who are prone to allergies. Chocolate can trigger an attack.

Which chocolate is bad?

What if you like sweet things? You should not succumb to its excessive use - this is a known fact. However, you can find a middle ground. Even the most harmful chocolate can be eaten if you use it in doses. Nevertheless, nutritionists recommend among the whole variety of sweets to opt for dark chocolate. A few slices of it a day will only benefit you. And there is no need to talk about harm. Among other delicacies, it is chocolate that is most useful. By the way, it is worth remembering that even fashion models who adhere to a strict diet regularly eat dark chocolate. Yes, and simple ladies who normalize their weight can sometimes enjoyquality product cube.

According to experts, white chocolate is the most harmful. Dairy is somewhere in the middle between it and the black product. Therefore, conclusions suggest themselves. Of course, preference should be given to dark chocolate. When purchasing a product, pay attention to its composition. This is the only way you can protect yourself from buying low-quality treats. The cocoa content in a chocolate bar must be at least 50%. Otherwise, one should not even talk about its naturalness and usefulness.

chocolate selection

As a rule, in the store we do not pay attention to product labels. Our eyes are attracted to the products of advertised brands that are on everyone's lips. According to experts, far from the entire range of chocolate products in our stores is worthy of the attention of consumers. After all, only a product with a high content of cocoa bean powder, with a small amount of sugar and milk is useful. Studies show that most of the assortment of stores does not correspond to the name "chocolate". Most often, unscrupulous manufacturers use the lowest quality cocoa powder, palm oil, preservatives and other substances whose benefits to the body are very doubtful.

Therefore, when purchasing chocolate, be sure to check the composition. This will help you make the right choice and purchase a good product.

Different experts disagree on the amount of cocoa content in chocolate. Some believe that you can only purchase the product in which cocoa is at least 70% (let's say right away, this isvery rare), others - at least 50%. The higher the percentage of powder in a tile, the more bitter it tastes.

It is acceptable to use chocolate with additives, especially when it comes to nuts. They not only improve the taste of the product, but also add useful substances to it. It's no secret that all nuts are rich in vitamins.

Remember that high-quality chocolate should melt in your mouth, because the melting point of cocoa is lower than human body temperature. A product made with the addition of vegetable oils will melt longer. It also has a waxy taste.

The surface of high-quality chocolate should be glossy, which indicates compliance with the necessary storage standards. Each of us has come across the fact that the tile of the acquired delicacy has a white coating. This situation indicates that the chocolate has re-solidified. And this means that it was stored in the wrong conditions. When heated, cocoa butter comes out, which is why you see a white coating.