11 myths about chocolate Bashny.Net

Latin name of the cocoa tree Theobroma cacao sounds and means "food of the gods". And apparently, the fruits of that tree and get delicious products are perfect for fans of divine snacks.

Mayan and Aztecs believed that cocoa beans possess a magic and refined, they can be used in many sacred rituals such as birth, wedding or death. In the 17th century, drinking chocolate became a fashionable drink of the European elite, the representatives of which believed that it has nutritional, medical and stimulating properties. They say that Casanova was especially admired for his influence.

Chocolate production is a massive industry, and the resulting products in recent years has become the center of attention of specialists in nutrition as a means of health promotion. But for a long time chocolate was the main villain in various scenarios, such as acne, excessive weight and high cholesterol.





But is the bad reputation of chocolate is justified? Should we love it or beware as harmful Goodies? Here are explanations of the most infamous myths about chocolate.

Chocolate increases cholesterol

If you stopped eating chocolate for lowering cholesterol low-density lipoprotein, it is obvious that you have sacrificed the sweetness for nothing. It is true that chocolate contains cocoa butter with high levels of saturated fat, but most of it comes from stearic acid which does not behave like saturated fats. Studies have shown that chocolate does not raise cholesterol, and some people may even lower its level.

        Chocolate a lot of caffeine

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not overloaded causing jitters a substance known as caffeine. The chocolate bar, "Hershey" contains 9 milligrams of caffeine, and tile special dark chocolate of the same company – 31 milligrams, while a Cup of coffee on average 320 milligrams of caffeine. The truth is that dark chocolate is more of this substance, but not as much as people think.





The sugar in chocolate causes hyperactivity

Excessive sugar causes kids to jump up to the ceiling, tumbling and generally turn into a little perpetual motion, isn't it? So we thought before. But as a result of more than a dozen substantiated research has failed to find any link between sugar in the diet of the child and hyperactive behavior. Theory two: the excited state created by external conditions (birthdays, holidays, etc.), or the parents just subconsciously expect a manifestation of excessive activity of the child after a sweet binge.

        Patients with diabetesneed to forget about chocolate

People suffering from diabetes should not avoid chocolate. Many people are surprised to learn that in fact chocolate a low glycemic index. Recent studies indicate that dark chocolate may even improve insulin sensitivity in people with normal and elevated blood pressure, and also to correct endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. Of course with diabetes you should always consult with a physician before you can deploy a tile of Corona.

        Chocolate causes tooth decay

The special study found that chocolate is less contributes to the formation of dental plaque than pure table sugar. Of course, most of us aren't eating a simple sugar, but the results of another study reinforced the findings of the first, pointing to the lack of connection between eating chocolate and the appearance of cavities. In fact, the Japanese scientists have shown that parts of cocoa beans – the main ingredient of chocolate, thwart the development of bacteria in the mouth and the appearance of cavities in the teeth. Yes, the fight against tooth decay has never been so delicious.

Chocolate makes you gain weight

Of course, it is. But not necessarily. It is obvious that amazing hot chocolate with cream and syrup is not conducive to a slim waist. But a major study conducted by the National Institute of health, USA, revealed the following: eating small amount of chocolate five days a week is associated with lower body mass index, even if the person eats a lot of calories and sports not more than the average person. Hi, the chocolate diet!

Consumption of sugar and chocolate helps stress

The study revealed that consumption of 50 grams of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduces levels of stress hormones in the body of people who feel considerable distress.

        The chocolate low nutritional value





We almost dealt with the influence of chocolate on health. But what is its nutritional value? This sweetness easily reaches the level of highly nutritious food. Tile usual dark chocolate contains the same antioxidant power as nearly 3 cups of green tea, 1 glass of red wine or two thirds Cup blueberries. In addition, chocolate contains minerals and dietary fiber.

Chocolate must contain at least 70 percent cocoa to benefit

In General, for maximum health benefits it is recommended to consume dark chocolate with a minimum cocoa content of 70 percent. Let's just say, the darker the chocolate, the higher its antioxidant qualities. However, the 18-week study, participants who ate a small amount of chocolate with a cocoa content of 50 percent, experienced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In addition, the result of another study was short-term improvement of blood circulation and blood pressure after consumption of 60% dark chocolate.

Chocolate is an aphrodisiac

Obviously, the first who believed in the connection between chocolate and amorous feelings, were the Aztecs. They say that Montezuma consumed large amounts of this candy to improve the efficiency of their romantic adventures, and Casanova ate chocolate to active lovemaking. But numerous studies have not yet found a decisive proof that chocolate really hot feelings. Worth talking about the sensuality of eating chocolate, stress reduction, and its properties as an aphrodisiac obviously have a subjective origin.





        Chocolate causes acne

Although any teenager has no doubt that chocolate is the cause of acne, studies another 60 years of that century had failed to demonstrate any Association between chocolate consumption and pimples on the skin. Moreover, there is scientific consensus that diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients, and even large amounts of chocolate do not cause clinical exacerbation of this phenomenon.

The moral of the story is: eat chocolate, but do not forget about moderation. 90-gram bar of milk chocolate contains 420 calories and 26 grams of fat, which is almost the same as in big Mac. And that's a fact.

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