Chocolate, long regarded as the main culprit of weight gain, is mainly due to its high sugar and fat content. However, as people become more focused on healthy eating, the health benefits of chocolate are starting to gain traction. In fact, numerous studies have revealed the positive effects of chocolate on cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The reason why chocolate is called "the food of the gods" is because of the nutritional value contained in its main ingredient, cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is not only rich in minerals such as fiber and iron, but also contains phytochemicals that are beneficial to health, such as antioxidant polyphenols and methylxanthines. These ingredients work together to make chocolate a choice that is both delicious and wholesome.
Benefits of eating chocolate regularly
Chocolate is not only a delicious dessert, it also has a variety of properties that are beneficial for health. First of all, chocolate is rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage, slow down the aging process, and boost the immune system, giving the body more strength to fight disease. Secondly, chocolate contains phenylethylamine, an ingredient that stimulates the nervous system and brings pleasure, while its rich flavonoids help to reduce fatigue, improve mood and maintain a happy state of mind.
In addition, chocolate is also beneficial for cardiovascular health. It contains theobromine and caffeine that dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, thereby helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants in chocolate also play a key role in protecting eyesight, as they protect the retina and reduce the risk of cataracts. For bone health, chocolate is high in calories, but its rich calcium content helps to maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Finally, the dietary fiber in chocolate helps to increase satiety, which is very effective for weight control and weight loss. At the same time, phenylethylamine also relieves tension and anxiety and helps to relax the body and mind. Therefore, when there is a lot of stress, the reduction of stress can be felt by consuming chocolate in moderation.
How chocolate is preserved
When dealing with the preservation of chocolate, many people choose to put it in the refrigerator in the hope of extending its shelf life. However, this practice is not ideal as it can have a negative impact on the taste of the chocolate. In fact, storing chocolate in the refrigerator may cause frosting on its surface, or backfrosting due to oil precipitation.
There are two main types of chocolate: pure chocolate and compound chocolate, with the latter using cocoa butter substitutes (such as refined vegetable oil) instead of pure cocoa butter. Although storing chocolate in the refrigerator in warmer temperatures can prevent it from melting or spoiling, it is best to do this for no more than a month so as not to affect the taste.
When storing chocolates in the refrigerator, make sure they are tightly sealed, e.g. in an airtight jar or pouch, to avoid moisture and odours. In addition, the temperature inside the refrigerator should be maintained between 8 and 18 degrees Celsius. Before serving, the chocolate should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to warm up naturally before opening.
For expired chocolate, although it is not suitable for consumption, there are still other uses. For example, it can be made into a face mask to provide some nourishment to the skin, or it can be melted and used to water flowers to provide additional nutrients to plants. Therefore, chocolate is not only a delicious snack, it also has a variety of practical functions.