Chocolate is healthy
Good for body and mind
It has been proven that chocolate is indeed healthy. Below are five characteristics of chocolate that contribute towards a healthy functioning body.
- Rich in anti-oxidants
- Lowers the blood pressure
- Improves the cholesterol balance
- Strengthens the defence mechanism
- Reduces the risk of pregnancy poisoning
- Good for low carbohydrate diets (only with healthy chocolate such as Cavalier)
For centuries the Mayas enjoyed the positive effects of cacao based on practical experience. In recent years more and more scientific studies are confirming this century-old knowledge. Many call chocolate a magical food and perhaps they are not wrong. In any case, chocolate has always known how to arouse passions. But often good and bad characteristics are assigned to it that it does not have at all.
Chocolate is not only good for the body but it also has a positive effect on the human mind. Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine (both stimulants), serotonin and phenylethylamine, which (just like carbohydrates for that matter) help combat stress and also have anti-depressant characteristics.
Finally, there are also a lot of mineral salts in chocolate (particularly magnesium: 110 mg in 100 g) and B-complex vitamins.
A study by Chantal Bismuth, professor in toxicology at the Hôpital Lariboisière in Paris, explains that “cacao is a complex substance that is made up of at least 800 different molecules, a number of which have a known pharmacological effect.”
For example, chocolate is said to have an anti-depressant effect, be a source of pleasure that goes further than sensual enjoyment and in addition chocolate is said to be a psychological stimulant and a source of well-being for humans.
Finally, chocolate is said to improve the memory.
