The 7 benefits of chocolate that you didn't know about

The history of chocolate

Chocolate, a universally appreciated delight, has a history rich and fascinating which dates back thousands of years. Its origins lie in the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where cocoa was considered a gift from the gods. The Olmec, Mayan and Aztec cultures were the first to cultivate the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao), using its seeds to create a bitter drink known as “xocolātl,” which literally means “bitter water.” This sacred elixir, reserved for the elite and used in religious ceremonies, was prepared by mixing the seeds ground cocoa beans with water, spices and sometimes honey.

With the arrival of the Europeans to the American continent, cocoa began its journey to the “Old World”. The Spanish conquistadors, amazed by its properties and flavor, brought cocoa to Europe in the 16th century. However, it was in this new context that chocolate began to transform. Europeans added sugar and milk, softening the original bitter taste and creating the basis of the chocolate we know today.

Over the centuries, the chocolate making process has evolved significantly. From the fermentation and drying of cocoa beans, through roasting and grinding, to conching and tempering, each stage is crucial to developing the chocolate. unique flavor and texture Chocolate. Today, chocolate is not only a pleasure for the palate, but also a food that offers multiple health benefits, especially when chosen in its purest form: dark chocolate.

Benefits of chocolate

It may seem difficult to associate the concept of 'benefit' with chocolate, but this is not entirely true. The real problem lies in additives such as fats and sugars that are added to it. These additives have been used excessively to make chocolate more tasty, thus distorting its authentic properties.

In fact, chocolate consumption has been linked to problems such as acne, cavities, obesity and high blood pressure.

However, if we focus on its essence, cocoa contains phenolic compounds with biological activity.

The antioxidant potential of chocolate can offer various health benefitsThe higher the cocoa content, such as in dark or bitter chocolate, the greater the benefits.

Eating chocolate can provide the following benefits:

Reduce inflammation

Chocolate contains flavonoids, compounds antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Improves cardiovascular health

Eating chocolate can help improve heart health. Studies have shown that it can lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Stimulates the brain

The cocoa in dark chocolate has compounds that increase the blood flow to the brain, which may improve cognitive function. It also contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which act as mild stimulants.

Beneficial for the skin

Antioxidants in dark chocolate can also improve skin health. They help protect it from sun damage and improve skin hydration and density, giving it a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Strengthens teeth

Although chocolate is often associated with cavities, dark chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that can help harden the gums. tooth enamel, as long as it is consumed in moderate quantities and good oral hygiene is maintained.

Source of essential nutrients

Chocolate is an excellent source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and manganese. It also provides dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health.

Improves mood

Chocolate consumption can promote the production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters responsible for the feeling of happiness. It also contains serotonin, a natural antidepressant which can improve mood.

Chocolate, a healthy pleasure

It is essential to recognize that all these benefits mentioned above are obtained by avoiding the refined products. Therefore, we must leave aside milk chocolate and white chocolate if we want to take advantage of the essential nutrients of cocoa. In these products, the amount of added fats and sugars It is so high that the cocoa content is very low, resulting in the loss of its nutritional properties.

Here I propose a challenge: reduce the consumption of refined chocolate and gradually get used to consuming dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa and low in sugarsAt first, your body will notice the difference and may crave more sugar, as sugar is proven to be highly addictive.

Chocolate Recipes By Castey: Chocolate Crêpes

To facilitate the transition to healthier chocolate consumption, you can make one of the recipes below. Castey. This Chocolate crepes recipe Not only is it delicious, but it also takes advantage of all the benefits of cocoa without the harmful additives.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 pinch of salt
Butter (to grease the crepe maker)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the milk and vanilla essence.
3. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
4. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Heat the crepe maker over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
6. Pour a little batter into the crepe maker, spreading it evenly.
7. Cook each crepe for 1-2 minutes on each side, until lightly golden.
8. Serve the crepes hot, accompanied by your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, yogurt or a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate.

Tips:

• Use unsweetened cocoa powder to maximize the benefits of cocoa.
• You can adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference or replace it with a natural sweetener.