Cocoa, the basic material of chocolate comes from the fruits of the cocoa tree or Theobroma cacao (the food of the gods). As a food, chocolate, in addition to being a sweet and fatty sin, also contains several nutrients, such as carbohydrates, essential amino acids, antioxidants, minerals and trace elements.
The main types of chocolate
Black chocolate
A medium bar of dark chocolate of 100 grams gives about 550 calories. It contains amino acids such as tyrosine, which brings us into a cheerful mood. Other substances such as thiobromine and phenylethylamine also stimulate the nervous system (a stimulant effect, which also contributes a little to the addictiveness of chocolate). In terms of fat, it contains mostly saturated and less monounsaturated. Of minerals, it contains potassium and some calcium. It also contains caffeine, about as much as a small Greek coffee. Dark chocolate has the advantage over other types of chocolate as it contains antioxidant substances, mainly the phytochemical polyphenols that add many benefits to our health.
Milk chocolate
Milk chocolate contains less cocoa than dark chocolate, and also contains milk. Calorically, they don't differ much, but milk chocolate has three times more cholesterol than dark chocolate (but also more calcium). However, the unique benefits of cocoa, such as thiobromine and phytochemicals, are minimized.
White chocolate
White chocolate has no cocoa mass at all, but only cocoa butter, another derivative of the cocoa tree, which is why it is fatter and fattier. On the other hand, it has essential amino acids, minerals and trace elements and completely satisfactory amounts of calcium. White chocolate has no caffeine and theobromine at all, so it does not have a particularly stimulating and addictive effect.
What should a chocolate lover look out for?
- Chocolate is thought to contribute to tooth decay because of the simple sugars, so it's best to choose products with less sugar.
- It has also been unfairly blamed for causing acne on the face, although this is not the case.
- Chocolate, also because of the many calories and fat is considered guilty of excess weight, nevertheless a small piece of chocolate in an otherwise healthy program is not necessary to be deprived of it. Enjoy it in moderation!