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Hot chocolate health benefits
Table of Contents
1. Chocolate has beginnings, history
Cocoa beans originated in South or Central America and have been present in this region for thousands of years. The origins of chocolate go back to the Mayans, who cultivated cocoa trees and used their fruits to make a hot water-based beverage with a spice additive (cinnamon, pepper), which they called the "food of the gods". In Europe, the small beans of cocoa (described as the "fruits of almonds") arrived in the early 16th century, and due to the two conditions of unhealthy cultivation it initially gained not much popularity (M. Montagna and cocoa, 2019; M. Proza and Cocoa, respectively). This process continues to increase in popularity.2. Bitter chocolate has a nutritional value
Chocolate is a high-energy product (about 550650 kcal per 100 g of product), which is mainly due to the high fat content of cocoa (8090%) which is 4050% by weight. It is predominantly saturated with fatty acids (palmitin and stearin). Its carbohydrate content is largely dependent on the amount of sugar added to the product. It decreases with the increase in cocoa mass, so chocolate with a higher cocoa content (80??90%) will provide less fat than those with a lower fat content (6070%).3. Bitter chocolate affects the blood system
A review of studies published in 2022 found that the inclusion of cocoa and chocolate in the diet resulted in a decrease in blood pressure and blood pressure. However, the effect was seen in people who were found to have both elevated and normal blood pressure levels (I. and Amoxicillin 2022). The effect was similar to that of polyphenols, whose presence increased the production of nitric oxide (NOx) in the stomach and intestines, and in patients with low blood pressure, who claimed to have less than one week's blood sugar consumption (less than 100 mg/ day).4. Bitter chocolate has an impact on the hydrocarbon economy
Polyphenols in dark chocolate also have a positive effect on blood glucose levels, which is particularly important in patients with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. They slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates by inhibiting the activity of digestive enzymes, and improve tissue sensitivity to insulin by reducing oxidative stress. Just as in the blood system, they play an important role in enhanced synthesis and improved availability of nitric oxide, as they increase insulin sensitivities. Data indicate a lower risk of diabetes and pregnancy as a result of diabetes. However, the most important observed benefit of the product is that it does not increase the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.5. Bitter chocolate affects the course of the cancer
Very little data is available on the effect of chocolate consumption on the process of carcinogenesis (the development of cancer cells). Studies from the 1990s suggest that excessive chocolate consumption promotes the development of cancerous changes; more recent work suggests that cocoa and chocolate may have a protective effect by inhibiting the formation and growth of tumors. However, they come mainly from animal and laboratory analyses and therefore further evidence is needed to determine the impact of chocolate on the development and progression of cancer (M. T. Montagna et al., 2019).6. Bitter chocolate in the metabolic group
According to the new criteria proposed in 2022, we are talking about a metabolic group when a patient is diagnosed with two of these components (obesity) and two out of three disorders: elevated blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism, or abnormal lipid parameters (increased concentration of non-HDL cholesterol fractions) (P. Dobrowolski et al. 2022). However, other studies have already found that an increase in lipid activity in the body, as well as a decrease in the lipid density of the body and other lipid levels observed in these studies may have a positive effect on body weight, body weight and body weight.7. Hot chocolate affects the gut microbiome
The impact of the composition of the gut microbiota (gut bacteria) on human health is a topic that has gained popularity in recent years. Microorganisms interact with the host organism by participating in digestion, metabolism and production of active compounds. Data indicate that the polyphenols (especially flavonoles) contained in chocolate are metabolized by bacteria, which affects their activity but also promotes the growth and development of specific strains of bacteria. They also inhibit the action of toxins released by animal bacteria, e.g. Helicobacter pylori.8. Bitter chocolate affects your mood
In addition to the beneficial effects of bitter chocolate on physical health aspects, it is also considered its possible effects on psychological aspects primarily on mood. This is due to the presence of psychoactive substances and serotonin, dopamine, and tryptophan, which increase the production of endorphins, called happiness hormones. In an observational study of a group of American adults, however, it was noted that those who reported eating dark chocolate also had a statistically lower risk of developing symptoms of depression; there was no similar effect on microbial consumption of hot chocolate types (Sastro. E. Jackson and Coyote, respectively, in 2019).9. Summary
Consuming bitter chocolate seems to have a number of health benefits and may support the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. It may also be a compromise in reducing the consumption of sweets and replacing highly processed candies or cakes. However, the key dose is Chocolate is still a high-energy product and consuming it in excess can have a potential positive effect and lead to excess energy and weight gain.
