Chocolate, good for morale and health

by Josephine Gorron

Just the thought of writing an article about chocolate brings a smile to my face. Its captivating smell, its magical taste, its crunch... Not only is it delicious but it also has several benefits.

What are the ingredients in chocolate?

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans. We find in its composition 3 ingredients. Yes yes, only 3!

• Cocoa mass, naturally composed of cocoa butter and cocoa powder.
• Cocoa butter, obtained by cold pressing cocoa beans, which separates the cocoa butter from the cocoa powder.
• Sugar, in more or less quantity depending on the chocolates.

Thus, the % of cocoa indicated on the tablets corresponds to the sum of the cocoa contained in the chocolate, namely the cocoa mass and the cocoa butter.

Many chocolate powers...

If I tell you that chocolate dark is a real ally of the heart, would you believe me? The presence of theobromine would cause dilation of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.

This treasure tablet also contains tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays an essential role in mood. In addition, the simple fact of tasting chocolate brings comfort and satisfaction thanks to the secretion of endorphins, hormones of happiness.

Look no further, it's a natural (and amazingly good) antidepressant!

The richness in magnesium of chocolate dark gives it its ability to limit fatigue, stress, sleep disorders and anxiety. Give way to a bit of Zen…and chocolate!

Finally, chocolate is an exceptional antioxidant food. Thank you polyphenols! The protective benefits are concentrated in the cocoa powder. Therefore, the higher the % of cocoa, the greater its antioxidant properties. And as you know, antioxidants should be consumed without moderation!

The double milk chocolate - flowing caramel - grilled hazelnuts is therefore reserved for pleasure!

To benefit from all these chocolate powers, you can also use chocolate powder directly. I suggest you try our recipe Immunity Cacao Sweet Latte which will delight your taste buds, but not only!

Choosing the right chocolate is not rocket science!

A few tips for choosing the right chocolate:

• Prefer dark chocolate at least 70% because cocoa powder contains all the benefits.
• Check the list of ingredients, avoid those containing flavorings or additives.
• Choose a "pure cocoa butter" chocolate and finally, opt for organic chocolate because the beans are not immune to pesticides.

You will understand, chocolate (and especially dark) is full of resources.

In this period of confinement, it is important to take care of yourself, to treat yourself and if that means eating chocolate... Do not hesitate!

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Dietitian - Nutritionist in a private practice, Joséphine is also passionate about yoga and meditation. Convinced that taking care of yourself through diet and physical effort are the keys to good health and general fulfillment, Joséphine offers her patients comprehensive support based on mindfulness and respect for the body.