Benefits of Chocolate

The word chocolate comes from xocoatl (Aztec language) which means a bitter drink. The Aztecs and Maya in Mexico believe that the god of Agriculture has sent chocolate that comes from heaven to them. Cortes then took him to Spain between the years 1502-1528, and by the Spanish people are mixed with the bitter drink that sugar tastes better. Brown then spread to France, the Netherlands and the UK. In the year 1765 chocolate factory was established in Massachusetts, United State

In its development is not only a chocolate drink, but also become a favorite snack for the children, adolescents, and adults. Besides it felt good, ate beneficial chocolate making age a person becomes longer. An epidemiological study has been conducted at Harvard University students who enrolled between the years 1916-1950. By using a food frequency questionnaire collected information about the eating habits of candy or chocolate at Harvard University students.

By controlling the physical activity undertaken, smoking, and eating habits found that those who like to eat sweets / chocolates age older than one year are not eating. Allegedly contained phenol antioxidants in chocolate is the reason why they can outlive. Phenol is also found in red wine that is well known as a good drink for heart health. Brown has the ability to inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and improve immune function, thus preventing the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer.

So far, there is the notion that chocolate causes of dental caries and may also be responsible for the problem of obesity. Undeniable that obesity is one risk factor for degenerative diseases. But a study at Harvard University shows that if you balance the consumption of chocolate candy with enough physical activity and eat a balanced diet, then the negative effects of chocolate candy need not worry.

According to Mayan belief, chocolate is the food of the gods. Beans original flavor is bitter due to alkaloid content, but after going through the process engineering can produce chocolate as a food favored by anyone. Cocoa beans contain 31% fat, carbohydrates and protein 14% 9%. Chocolate is rich in protein amino acid tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosin. Although chocolate contains a high-fat, but relatively easy to rancidity because chocolate also contains polyphenols (6%) which functions as an antioxidant ketengikan deterrent.

In the United States chocolate consumption contributes only 1% of the total fat intake as stated by the National Food Consumption Survey (1987-1998). This amount is relatively small, especially when compared with the contribution of meat (30%), cereals (22%), and milk (20%). Fat in chocolate, often called cocoa butter, mostly composed of saturated fat (60%), especially stearic. But the brown fat is a vegetable fat that did not contain cholesterol. To keep pressing the saturated fat that is not too high, it is better to limit eating chocolate just one cigarette per day and consumes mebatasi supplement or other food containing catechins such as apple and tea.

In research involving human subjects, found that consumption of brown fat to produce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol lower than the consumption of butter or beef fat. So although both saturated fat but the effect was produced different cholesterol. High content of stearic to chocolate allegedly the reason why brown fat is not as bad as animal fats. Have long been known that stearic acid is a neutral fat that will not trigger blood cholesterol. Why? Stearic was digested slowly by the body and also absorbed less.

One third of fat found in chocolate is oleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid. Oleic acid was also dominant in the olive oil. Epidemiological studies in a Mediterranean population consume a lot of oleic acid from olive oil oleic concluded positive effect on heart health.

Often the question arises how much we can mengkonsusmi chocolate? There are no definitive nutrition recommendations for this, however, eating chocolate 2-3 times a week or drank chocolate milk every day would still be acceptable. Principles of nutrition that is actually easy to eat all kinds of food are moderate. Nutritional problems generally arise when we eat too much or too little.

Eating chocolate will not cause addiction, but for some delicious chocolate may cause the desire to consume again. This is called Craving chocolate. The impact of chocolate on behavior and mood (mood) is closely related to Craving chocolate. Brown could miss because of the aroma, texture, sweet-bitter and so on. It is also often associated with the content Phenylethylamine is a substance similar amphetanine can increase absorption of tryptophan into the brain which then in turn produce dopamine. Impact of dopamine is a sense of fun and improved mood. Phenylethylamine is also considered to have aphrodisiac properties that give rise to a feeling like someone is falling in love (heart flowers). It is said that King Montezuma in ancient times always drunk chocolate before harem-harem rotate different every night.

Catechins are powerful antioxidants contained in chocolate. One of the functions of antioxidants is to prevent premature aging that can occur due to pollution or radiation. Catechins are also found in tea even though there were not as high on chocolate. Parents are often ancient practice with a water wash of tea because it can make facial skin glowing and youthful. If they know that chocolate contains catechins is higher than the tea, maybe they'll suggest a shower scrubs with chocolate.

Chocolate also contains the obromine and caffeine. Both these substances have been known to give effect to those who consume them awake. Therefore when we are dozing off at the airport or waiting for long queues, eating chocolate potent enough to make us excited again.

Chocolate products varied enough. For example, there is a milk chocolate which is chocolate sweet dough, cocoa butter, sugar and milk. In addition there is also a bitter chocolate which is a natural brown and contains 43% cocoa solids. This type of chocolate can be found in some chocolate bar products. Nutrient chocolate can be seen in the table.

Nutritional substances Bitter Chocolate Milk Chocolate
Energy (Cal) 381 504
Protein (g) 9 5.5
Fat (g) 35.9 52.9
Calcium (mg) 200 98
Phosphorus (mg) 200 446
Vit A (SI) 30 60

There is no evidence that chocolate caused acne. Brown also can not be said as a major cause of dental plaque due to the emergence of dental plaque can also occur in people who consume food everyday. It's just chocolate should really pay attention, especially for people who are prone to suffer kidney stones. 100 g chocolate consumption will increase the excretion of calcium oxalate and tripled. Therefore healthy tips that can be recommended is to drink plenty of water after eating chocolate