Erroneous myths and popular beliefs about chocolate, a delicious food about which there are many myths. Also discover why it is healthy to consume it.
There are many benefits of chocolate that, consumed regularly but moderately and without excess, gives us this natural product, considered a true delicacy of gods for centuries.
But as with coffee or bread, all good food always tend to surround certain myths or beliefs that, in most cases, can be wrong.
Among its different proven properties, we find that it is an aphrodisiac food capable of intensifying libido, it is an antioxidant, it improves our mood, and being rich in flavonoids it improves the health of our heart.
However, we must not forget that it is not the same to eat milk chocolate than dark chocolate (its purest version, and therefore the richest in nutritional properties).
If you are a lover of chocolate, as much or even more than us, surely you will be interested in knowing a little more about the reality or not among most of the myths about chocolate that surround this delicious food.
Myths about chocolate and some misconceptions:
Chocolate causes or aggravates acne.
It is one of the best known chocolate myths. But have you ever heard that a food like chorizo also causes the appearance of pimples and pimples?
The only certain thing is that the fat that we ingest through the diet does not accumulate in the sebaceous glands.
Chocolate is addicting.
As with coffee, it is another of the most widespread myths about chocolate. There are no scientific studies to confirm this, although chocolate has been shown to boost and improve mood.
Hence, people who may feel sad tend to consume it in excess, but it does not create addiction.
Chocolate is a substitute for sex.
Although it is an aphrodisiac food (it contains tryptophan and phenylethylamine), the truth is that when we eat it, our brain releases endorphins, the same it releases after an organism. But there is no similarity that chocolate can replace it.
Chocolate constipates.
Many people know, although it is not really true, that chocolate constipates, so they avoid it if they suffer from constipation or simply tend to walk away from it. Probably, we find the origin of this myth in that, indeed, when large quantities of chocolate are consumed, indigestion arises, and with it some problems to be able to go to the bathroom normally.
However, the reality is quite different: cocoa is rich in theobromine, which has the particularity of accelerating bowel movements, and can cause diarrhea when consumed excessively.
Of course, it is a contraindicated food in case of irritable bowel syndrome (or irritable bowel).
Some healthy truths about chocolate:
Chocolate is an anti-stress food.
Chocolate has a high cocoa content, especially if it is consumed in its purest variety (also known as dark chocolate), especially when the amount of cocoa exceeds 70%.
Thus, cocoa is capable of generating a series of reactions at the hormonal level, in a way that many nutritionists consider it as an anti-stress food. Or, what is the same, we are faced with a wonderful food capable of reducing anxiety and stress levels in our body.
As you probably know, the human body reacts to the stimulus of chocolate by producing serotonin, which is a hormone that is linked to both the feeling of happiness and emotional tranquility and well-being.
On the other hand, the sugar added to give it a sweeter taste and reduce its bitterness also increases endorphins and serotonin, which is why chocolate works by changing mood and regulating anxiety levels. But as we have always told you, it is best to consume chocolate without added sugar, getting used to its taste.
Reduces bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol.
In case of high cholesterol, eating pure chocolate is very healthy, as long as it is not consumed excessively. Its benefits are found in its contribution of antioxidants and oleic acid, which help reduce bad cholesterol on the one hand and promote the production of good.
High antioxidant content.
The cocoa with which chocolate is made is a food with a high content of antioxidants, especially polyphenols. These help our body to reduce the negative action of free radicals, in addition to delaying the premature aging of our cells.
Very rich in iron.
Did you know that chocolate has a good amount of iron? It provides almost the same amount as beans, making it an ideal food to promote the production of red blood cells, preventing diseases such as anemia.
