Dark chocolate: properties, health benefits and contraindications

We can cure us with a delicious food? We can! This article will reveal all the secrets of chocolate, its property and all the benefits that chocolate can make to our health.

Chocolate is a food derived from the seeds of the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, of the Sterculiace family. Cocoa, as we all know, is native to America and was imported to Europe by Christopher Columbus, conqueror of the New World.

Let's say that in the long run was a demonized food, held responsible for the sins and pains, but the truth is that chocolate is also good for health as long as you do not overdo it.

E 'was renamed "food of the gods" (the Mayans and the Aztecs the Otter especially in sacred ceremonies) and was the subject of studies, movies and books but that is good for health, there are always various disputes.
There's chocolate and chocolate

Be careful, not all chocolate is the same, the only one to possess the healing properties is the dark chocolate at least 90% cocoa. The rest of the chocolate derived no benefits to the organism.

The quality matters a lot, there are several species of cocoa:

•     Criollo cocoa - noble cocoa, the seeds are white, not very bitter and fragrant is the quality which is located mostly in Central America and northern South America, is the most expensive amongst all;

•     Forastero cacao - cocoa consumption, this is the type from purple seeds and bitter taste, Western comes from Africa, Brazil and East Asia. And 'the most cheap quality;

•     Trinitario cocoa (a hybrid of the first two) is a middle ground between the first two and comes from the Amazon but is grown in Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean and Venezuela. The production is limited.

Let us now try to determine strengths and weaknesses of this delicacy.
Dark chocolate: properties and benefits

We start this journey to discover the virtues of chocolate, starting from the base, or what it consists cocoa?

•      proteins;

•      iron;

•      lipids;

•      carbohydrates,

•      mineral salts (magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and sodium);

•      vitamins B, K and J;

•      amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, cystine, glycine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline, methionine, serine, tyrosine, tryptophan, valine and threonine);

•      tyramine;

•      caffeine;

•      theobromine;

•      phenylethylamine;

•      flavonoids;

•      polyphenols;

•      serotonin.

How can a food that contains so many good principles be so demonized? As we will see these nutrients are fortunate, but at the same time the same misfortune, Cocoa.

What are the properties of dark chocolate?

•     Anti-aging properties: yes, cocoa is an elixir of youth thanks fact the high concentration of antioxidants principles helps our body fight aging (is compared to red wine, tea and wild berries);

•     antidepressant properties, and this is not an urban legend. Dark chocolate helps improve mood, increases serotonin and helps counteract depression and anxiety;

•     aphrodisiac properties: dark chocolate is an aphrodisiac food, help libido, improving the sex lives of those who eat it;

•     energy properties: cocoa thanks to the large amount of vitamins and carbohydrates is a good source of energy;

•      Did you know that it helps to keep down the level of cholesterol in the blood? Yes a small amount helps keep the arteries clean;

•     immunizing properties: among the properties of chocolate are also to stimulate the immune system in order to strengthen it;

•     protective properties: cocoa protects the heart (prevents heart attacks and stroke) and mood thanks to magnesium and also regulates blood pressure but also protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun thanks to the antioxidants and flavonoids;

•     anti-anemic properties: dark chocolate is especially recommended for those suffering from anemia, because it contains iron but must be associated with vitamin C to be readily absorbed (chocolate and strawberries are a great combination). 

Chocolate: all uses

Now, the chocolate we eat and drink, but not only. There are real therapies with chocolate, which improve mood, hair and skin.

A beauty sitting in vogue is to be spread chocolate on the skin to improve its tone, brightness and elasticity. Then there are also chocolate face masks, scrubs and mud treatments for cellulite.

One of my favorite treatments is the mask for chocolate hair, strengthens them, feeds them and refreshes the color. Prepare it is simple: you melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, or using the powder, and there is mixed an egg, orange juice, two tablespoons of honey and one of olive oil or sweet almond. Is rubbed on hair, wraps it all in the film and is held in a minimum two hours laying, then rinse very well. For a fuller effect and to more healthy and robust hair is recommended to add the henna for hair shinier instead of two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.

Beware though, as mentioned above the chocolate also has shortcomings.
Dark chocolate: contraindications and side effects

Cocoa is not recommended for those suffering from:

•     headaches, because of the stimulants and theobromine;

•     insomnia and hyperactivity, because it contains caffeine;

•     hiatal hernia, because theobromine reduces the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter;

•     tachycardia, again because of caffeine;

•     allergies, chocolate triggers histamine peaks reason for which can give rise to allergic skin reactions.

Chocolate contains anandamide and is a substance that can be addictive which is why, especially those suffering from mood disorders, should be consumed with caution.

It 'not recommended for pregnant women and diabetics who must consult your doctor.