Dark chocolate
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which originate from South America and were brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus. Dark chocolate is understood as having 70% pure cocoa (cocoa liquor) in the composition.
More than 600 different valuable nutrients have been found in dark chocolate, such as minerals (magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium), vitamins (B group), proteins, peptides, amino acids (tryptophan), lipids, fatty acids (oleic), organic (lemon, tartaric, apple), polyphenols (tannins, catechins, epicatechins, anthocyanidins), purine alkaloids (theobromine, caffeine, theophylline), amines (phenylethylamine).
Great properties and beneficial effects of dark chocolate on health:
- improves mood, puts you in a good mood (phenylethylamine) by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain
- adds energy because it has a lot of carbohydrates (not simple sugars), magnesium, iron, zinc
- removes the symptoms of fatigue and stress (caffeine, theophylline)
- supports the work of the brain (pyrazine), increases concentration and improves memory, prevents dementia
- removes the symptoms of coughing, has a diuretic effect, supports the work of the kidneys (and even cleanses them) due to the content of theobromine
- increases the body's immunity (zinc, magnesium)
- contains bactericidal substances that protect against tooth decay
- the presence of numerous polyphenols (especially flavonoids) delays the aging process of the body by fighting free radicals, they have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic properties, reduce blood pressure (prevent strokes and heart attacks), lower LDL cholesterol, prevent platelet aggregation
- large amounts of magnesium are of paramount importance for health; it improves our nervous system, supports the work of muscles, including those of the heart, has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties, prevents osteoporosis
- reduces the risk of type II diabetes (regulates blood glucose and insulin levels)
- inhibits the aging process of the skin.
A cup of good coffee with one or two pieces of dark chocolate will work great. This leads to a greater secretion of bile needed to burn fats. Dark chocolate can be eaten alone or grated, e.g. on a sieve, and added to oatmeal or yoghurt. You can also melt it and treat it as a topping for ice cream or their ingredient, or add it to cookies, muffins.
Do not eat more than 3-4 cubes of dark chocolate a day because too much consumption can result in headaches, constipation. It should not be consumed by those who are allergic to cocoa, cocoa liquor, struggling with serious diseases of the kidneys and bladder, with a sensitive digestive system. It is also not recommended to give children dark chocolate so that they do not get too excited.
