Whether in a drink, dessert, sweet or any of its various presentations, this food can have several benefits for the body, but it can also be hazardous to health if not consumed in moderation.
However, understanding its composition helps to identify when chocolate can be a good nutritional supplement and when it is necessary to avoid its intake.
Whether or not chocolate is good for you It will depend on the amount of cocoa that it actually contains and what other ingredients it is accompanied with.”, says Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and professor at the School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, in an interview with the ‘New York Times’.
Among its nutrients are flavonoids and biologically active phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant capabilities.
(Keep reading: What are the health risks of aloe vera? ).
According to a study of the effects of cocoa on the blood, published by the repository of the ‘National Institutes of Health’, these compounds can decrease oxidative stress and contribute to delaying aging.
They also help regulate blood pressure and atherosclerosis, albeit with little impact.
“To reap the potential benefits, dark chocolate with at least 70 percent pure cocoa should be chosen,” points out again Dariush Mozaffarian, for the American newspaper.
(Also read: How to prepare ginger tea and what are its health benefits?).
Because this product has a high calorie count due to its fat and sugar content, which can increase your body mass indexaccording to the specialized magazine ‘Medical News Today’.
“Anyone who is trying to lose or maintain their weight should limit their consumption of chocolate and check the label of their favorite product,” the portal states.
It is worth remembering that you should always see a doctor in the event of any symptom or negative effect on your health, in order to investigate the reason for your discomfort.
NATHALIA GOMEZ PARRA
DIGITAL SCOPE WRITING
TIME
