Chocolate, in moderation, is an ally for health

THE ESSENTIAL

• The consumption of chocolate, if it remains moderate at a rate of once a week, reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
• To best capture the benefits of chocolate, choose those that have a high percentage of cocoa bean which reduces the risk of cardiovascular accident.
• Chocolate also contains several substances which are used to fight against depression.

–

Chocolate is one of the stars of the holiday season. Often presented as too high in calories, too sweet, chocolate can also be a good ally for our health. One of the reasons is to be found in cocoa powder, rich in flavonoids which are antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory properties and premature aging of cells.

Magnesium and serotonin

Christmas is the occasion to consume chocolate. Consumption which, if it remains moderate at a rate of once a week, reduces the risk of developing heart disease. In a study published on July 22 in theEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology, US researchers have shown that chocolate helps keep the heart’s blood vessels healthy. The results of these analyzes showed that consuming chocolate once a week is associated with an 8% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. Abuse of this food leads to excess calories and can lead to clogging of the arteries and cause cardiovascular disease.

To best capture the benefits of chocolate, it is necessary to target those who have a high percentage of cocoa bean which reduces the risk of cardiovascular accident. The more chocolate is concentrated in cocoa beans, the richer it is in minerals, such as magnesium. Dark chocolate contains at least 30% cocoa while milk chocolate contains 20%. White chocolate, made exclusively with cocoa butter, does not contain it at all. The French Federation of Cardiology therefore recommends consuming one to two squares of chocolate per day.

Pay attention to its consumption

Chocolate also contains several substances which are used to fight against depression. In particular, there is serotonin which is prescribed against depression. A study dating from July 29, 2019, published in the journal Depression & Anxiety suggests that people who consume dark chocolate have 70% less depressive symptoms. The researchers add that they have not found a causal link but simply observational. “Further research is needed to understand the link: it could be whether depression reduces individuals’ craving for chocolate or other factors, which could decrease the likelihood that people will be depressed and eat dark chocolate at the same time”, Wrote Sarah Jackson, lead author of the study.

Too much chocolate is bad for your health. Too many calories, its excessive consumption leads to weight gain and clogging the arteries. Chocolate can also lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Cocoa butter promotes relaxation of the upper stomach sphincter and causes gastric reflux in the esophagus.

<!–

–>

–