What are the benefits of dark chocolate? Can anti-inflammation improve your mood? Nutritionist teaches "3 tips" for purchasing
How to eat chocolate to avoid gaining weight? Nutritionist reveals 3 major selection tips
Chocolate products can be found everywhere in life. Generally speaking, processed chocolates tend to have high sugar content, and excessive intake may lead to obesity. However, many studies have shown that “dark chocolate” with a higher cocoa content can bring certain health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Nutritionist Jian Yuhua pointed out that many people in the clinic have the habit of eating chocolate on a regular basis. However, if you are a person with an excessive BMI, a chronic disease, or a person with poor metabolic function, eating too much chocolate will convert excess calories into fat, which is harmful to the body. Extremely detrimental to health. Therefore, it is very important to carefully select the type and amount of chocolate through the following three points:
Select a concentration of at least 80%. Nutritionist Jian Yuhua explains that when buying chocolate, you can choose dark chocolate with a cocoa concentration of more than 80%. Cocoa itself has a very high fat content and the calories will increase accordingly; if too much refined sugar is added, the calories may be multiplied and the calories will be staggering. Therefore, avoid types of chocolate that taste too sweet and contain too much sugar.
Choose individually packaged products. Nutritionist Jian Yuhua said that the advantage of individually packaged products is that they are not excessive, and you can choose a portion that can be eaten in one bite.
Choose products in small packages. Nutritionist Jian Yuhua pointed out that choosing chocolate that is about 3x3 or 4x2cm in size and weighs about 5 grams is just enough to be consumed in 1-2 mouths, so as to avoid excessive intake or unnecessary waste.
What are the benefits of dark chocolate to the human body? Anti-inflammation, antioxidant and mood-changing?
What are the benefits of dark chocolate to the human body? Nutritionist Jian Yuhua said that dark chocolate contains many bioactive ingredients, such as catechins, proanthocyanidins, theobromine, and cocoa flavanols from cocoa. By participating in the antioxidant pathways in the human body, it helps to fight chronic inflammation. In addition, some studies have shown that dark chocolate is related to “changing mood”. It may be that the “tryptophan” in cocoa helps the brain synthesize “serotonin”, thereby making individuals feel happy.
Nutritionist Jian Yuhua cited a study published in “The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry”: The research team tested two different kinds of dark chocolate (85% and 70% cocoa content respectively). The results showed that the subjects who consumed 30 grams of 85% dark chocolate every day For those who consumed 70% dark chocolate, there was a significant decrease in negative emotions; however, there was no significant association among those who consumed 70% dark chocolate.
The study further analyzed the biological environment of the intestines of the two groups and found that the diversity of intestinal microorganisms in the former was higher than that in the latter. It was inferred that dark chocolate may have a “prebiotic” effect and can reorganize the diversity and richness of intestinal bacteria. Improve negative emotional states through the “gut-brain axis”.
Therefore, moderate intake of dark chocolate may indeed bring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even mood-improving effects. Only by paying attention to the portion size, concentration and consumption method when selecting can you eat with peace of mind and prevent weight gain. If you have related diseases and have any concerns about eating chocolate, it is also recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist in advance to avoid eating excess calories and causing harm to the body.
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