The vast majority of people just love to eat chocolate. After the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish, cocoa began exporting to Europe, which is used to produce chocolate.
Chocolate was so precious that only royalty could consume it, and in the seventeenth century was considered a sin to eat.
However, the special delicious and chocolate are not the only advantages it has. This delicious cake also has numerous health benefits. Some of the most important are:
1. Consuming chocolate helps prevent blood clots. Thanks to some of the proteins contained in chocolate, blood platelets stick or take longer to clot; this causes heart attacks less likely. Also, by reducing blood pressure, improves blood flow and the condition of the veins and arteries.
2. In a study conducted in 2009, showed that people who eat chocolate usually have better math skills than those without it. In fact, it was observed that after drinking a cup of hot chocolate, people were faster and more accurate to count backwards in threes. This is due to the flavonoids in chocolate, which increases blood flow to the brain.
3. The flavonoids found in cocoa beans, also help prevent the growth and development of cancer cells.
4. The chocolate contains important antioxidants, which help your body to get rid of harmful substances that cause aging and disease. In fact, chocolate is best antioxidant food or drink than other antioxidants such as grapefruit, green tea or red wine.
5. The caffeine in chocolate is about half of what you might find in a soda, and a third of what is contained in a cup of coffee. It has shown that consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine a day can be good for health.
6. Cocoa contains elements that fight bacteria and, notably, those that attack the teeth. Of course, the chocolate processed sugar will not help this process, which is good to consume pure cocoa, even though the taste is different than we are accustomed to.
7. The carbohydrates in chocolate help the brain to secrete serotonin, which gives people the feeling of well being & active health.
8. Although not yet proven, it is believed that chocolate can act as an aphrodisiac. Because it contains phenylethylamine, is thought to help raise the sexual energy and desire of the people. For this reason, it is said that Madame du Barry, Louis XV’s mistress, offered chocolate to the men who visited her room. Also, Casanova served hot white chocolate instead of champagne to their lovers.
I recommend you try the dark chocolate and cocoa in its natural form (with at least 85% cocoa), and compare it with processed chocolate we know. It is bitter, but it will bring more natural health benefits. Either way, the next time you eat a piece of chocolate, forget the guilt and enjoy!
