We are approaching Easter and chocolate consumption increases at this time. Chocolates, when consumed in moderation, can offer several benefits for our health. But what are these benefits? And which type of chocolate should I choose?
- Chocolate is a good energy supplier, as it has high concentrations of fat and sugars. However, this consumption must be moderate, as high consumption of these nutrients is related to problems such as increased cholesterol, cardiovascular problems and weight gain.
- Chocolate has a stimulating effect because it contains two substances, theobromine and caffeine, which stimulate the muscular/cardiac and nervous systems respectively. Theobromine also interferes with our body's serotonin levels, giving a feeling of pleasure and well-being.
- Consuming chocolate stimulates the release of phenylethylamine by our body. This hormone, also known as the passion hormone, gives chocolate the aphrodisiac effect. It also increases our sensation of pleasure as it is a precursor to serotonin.
- Chocolate, with the exception of white chocolate, has polyphenols, which are substances with antioxidant characteristics, causing positive effects on our body such as helping to reduce blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Today we can find different types of chocolate for consumption:
- Dark/semisweet chocolate: To be considered bitter, a chocolate must have at least 70% cocoa in its composition. It consists of cocoa seeds, a minimum of cocoa butter, little sugar and no milk. Semi-sweet chocolate contains more sugar than dark chocolate, softening the flavor a little. These are the types of chocolate with the lowest caloric value and the highest quantity and quality of polyphenols.
- Milk chocolate: has a sweeter flavor due to its composition based on liquor and cocoa butter, sugar, milk, powdered milk or condensed milk. It is higher in calories than dark chocolates and has fewer polyphenols.
- White chocolate: this chocolate is composed of milk, sugar, lectin and cocoa butter replacing cocoa mass. It is the most caloric type of chocolate and has no polyphenols.
- There are several combinations of other ingredients with these types of chocolate on the market, which create this huge variety of flavors.
When shopping for Easter eggs, you need to be aware of the amount of fat and caloric value of these products and always consume them in moderation so that chocolate brings benefits to your health and not unwanted effects.