Chocolate is a widely consumed food in households around the world. However, there is much debate about whether the calorie content in chocolate contributes to overweight and obesity. In this article, I will discuss interesting facts about chocolate.
Chocolate is the most popular food in the world
Chocolate provides a lot of energy
One chocolate bar contains enough energy to walk up to 46 meters. Chocolate is also rich in nutrients. To walk around the world, you would need to eat 870,000 chocolates. However, the impact of chocolate on weight gain is still a topic of controversy. Some experts argue that consuming chocolate does not necessarily lead to overweight or obesity. Chocolate contains three types of fatty acids: Stearic, Panmitic, and Oleicz. Panmitic, which is high in fat, can increase cholesterol levels, while Oleicz, with lower fat content, has the opposite effect. Stearic has no effect on cholesterol levels. Therefore, the effect of chocolate on weight is considered neutral.
Chocolate provides high energy but not necessarily the culprit of obesity
Chocolate has the effect of fighting stress and fatigue
When under stress, consuming foods high in magnesium, such as chocolate, is beneficial. Chocolate can help alleviate anxiety and fatigue caused by excessive work or stress.
Chocolate fights stress
Dark chocolate is good for the heart
Dark chocolate has been found to have positive effects on blood pressure and blood sugar regulation. Regular consumption of dark chocolate can lead to lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar metabolism. Flavanols, compounds found in chocolate, can help prevent heart disease and other illnesses caused by destructive molecules.
Dark chocolate is good for the heart
Chocolate is also beneficial for teeth
Contrary to popular belief, chocolate can actually be good for the teeth. It has the ability to fight bacteria in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
Eating chocolate helps you have beautiful teeth
Chocolate can counteract spicy flavors
Interestingly, chocolate can help alleviate the sensation of spiciness in the mouth. When consuming spicy food, such as chili peppers, chocolate’s high fat content can counteract the spiciness caused by capsaicin.
Calorie content in chocolate
A regular pack of chocolate contains approximately 240 calories, while a bar of dark chocolate contains around 220 calories. However, the high calorie content of chocolate should not be a major concern, as consuming chocolate in moderation can actually help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Don’t worry too much about the calorie content of chocolate
Choosing the right chocolate
The amount of flavanols, which are heart-healthy compounds, varies among different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate and cocoa contain higher levels of flavanols compared to white chocolate. When choosing cocoa, it is important to consider the fermentation time, as longer fermentation can reduce the flavanol content.
Dark chocolate and cocoa are high in heart-healthy flavanols
Occasionally indulging in chocolate with friends and family can provide moments of relaxation and contribute to overall health. Chocolate is also known for its benefits in skincare. Do you know any other uses for chocolate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Unbelievable! Discover What Else You Can Put in Your Coffee
Are you looking for a new way to add flavor to your cup of coffee? Try stirring in a pinch of salt, grinding up some eggshells, adding a dash of chocolate, blending with coconut oil and butter, or sprinkling some ginger in your mug! Experience a unique and delicious twist to your everyday coffee routine.