I am professional chef Adam Schihab. Today I will share some basic information regarding dark chocolate.
If you are a chocolate lover and feel guilty, then there is good news for you. Scientific evidence shows we don’t have to feel so guilty, not when it’s dark chocolate. I had heard for some time of the benefits of eating dark chocolate, but I had no idea that they were as beneficial as they are. I searched over a few websites like Fitday, WebMD, and Huffington Post to dig up many fascinating facts that make me feel great about eating every bite. Here’s the skinny:
Health Benefits:
The flavonoids found in Cocoa solids are healthy for you because they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential antioxidants are particles that hinder other molecules from gaining oxygen or losing electrons (called oxidation). Oxidation is closely associated with free radical damage, so antioxidants are like the hero that bursts through the door and “takes out” the bad guys. Particularly the fight against aging and cancer is most known and appreciated by those seeking out antioxidants.
Apart from that, it has a low on the glycemic index as well. Dark chocolate will not spike your blood sugar and can even help protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids help insulin resistance because they can help your cells function normally and correctly use your body’s insulin.
As if that wasn’t enough, it provides your brain with improved cognitive function and a reduction in the risk of a stroke. You know that sensation when you fall in love? That’s a chemical that’s created in our brains called phenylethylamine (PEA). Guess what… dark chocolate contains that chemical. Seriously! Have you ever bitten into a piece and felt your mood literally change to better and happier? That’s why. Do you know what else that feeling does? Reduce stress. Stress is the other thing besides oxidation and free radicals that are thought the be heavily associated with wrinkling skin. Your guilty pleasure is actually helping you look younger! I want to be like that chef on television who screams “bam” after everything. This information is making me so happy! That’s not even all!
Cocoa solids also contain a chemical compound called theobromine which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. So if you practice proper dental hygiene, you don’t have to worry about it wrecking your teeth like many other sweets. In addition to hardening tooth enamel, theobromine is known for it’s ability to help suppress coughs. So when that seasonal cold comes around, you know where to turn for additional help after you’ve already taken your cough syrup. Need better nutrition? You’ll find high concentrations of some very important vitamins and minerals in cocoa solids as well, like potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Those happen to be some very important vitamins and minerals for hair growth, so if you lack a few locks on top… eating your favorite guilty pleasure may help out.
So, how much should you eat? I know after reading all of that, you’ll want to consume gobs of it every day; but, we have to remember that you can get too much of a good thing even with all the health benefits. The recommendation is a “small amount” three times a week. I prefer a small amount at least every day, wouldn’t you? Here’s the thing I have learned about dark chocolate from my position as a Lindt RSVP advisor… when it’s a quality premium product, you only need a little bit to be satisfied. I’ll still eat it every day rather than only three times a week, but I don’t eat a lot every day. I don’t need to! A little goes a long way.
It is recommended that you choose a product that is at least eighty percent cocoa solids. The higher the percentage, the more of all the benefits you just read about will be present. Still, a little benefit is better than no benefit, so find the highest percentage you like best and go with it.
Beauty Benefits:
There are a few beauty tips that say it can do some very cool things. Since we know now the benefits of cocoa solids on the skin, you could make a do-it-yourself body scrub with brown sugar, olive oil, cocoa powder, and vanilla. That would smell incredible. Your spouse would most likely “dig it” very much! Are you worried about UV damage? You could use it as sunscreen, but I can’t imagine who would! Maybe wealthy people? You could make a hair mask with it, adding honey and yogurt for shinier strands of hair and basking in it for about an hour. Some things just seem like they would be too difficult to get out once they are into me, so I don’t think I’ll be trying that one.
From a healthy heart to beautiful hair, we’ve gone over many wonderful reasons to delve into dark chocolate. I believe you have discovered some new things as I have. Whether you eat it in a candy bar or drink it hot in a cup… go forth to eat, drink, and be merry. I know I will!
For more information related to healthy foods , you can check the Adam’s Kitchen website https://news.schihab.com. Enhance your well-being and healthy life by discovering how to prepare yourself to enjoy fresh and healthy food. I want to request you to follow me on Instagram (@adamschihab) to share my updates daily.