While those in love treat Chocolate as an aphrodisiac, those on a diet run in the opposite direction of a Chocolate bar. Whatever your take is on this ‘food from the Gods’, you can’t possibly be human if you don’t enjoy Chocolate in some form from time to time.
Here are few myths about Chocolate that we are happy to see debunked.
Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine.
Fact: While eating Chocolate may perk you up, Chocolate is actually not very high in caffeine. A 40 grams Chocolate bar contains 6 mg of caffeine, the same amount as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Myth: Chocolate is loaded with saturated fat and is bad for your cholesterol.
Fact: Stearic acid, the main saturated fat found in milk Chocolate, is unique. Research has shown that it doesn’t raise cholesterol levels the same way that other types of saturated fats do. In fact, eating a 40 grams Chocolate bar instead of a carbohydrate-rich snack has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Myth: Chocolate lacks any nutritional value.
Fact: Chocolate is a good source of magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. It also contains polyphenols (an antioxidant also found in tea and red wine) that have been associated with a decreased risk of coronary disease. An average Chocolate bar contains about the same amount of antioxidants as a glass of red wine.
A daily serving of dark Chocolate, which contains more antioxidants than milk Chocolate, can also help lower blood pressure and improve insulin resistance.
Myth: Chocolate causes cavities.
Fact: Candy alone is not responsible for cavities. Cavities are formed when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars and starches from any type of food (soda, candy, juice, bread, rice and pasta) to produce acid. This acid then eats through the enamel of the tooth, causing a cavity.
The protein, calcium and phosphate content of milk Chocolate may actually protect tooth enamel, and its naturally-occurring fat content means that Chocolate clears the mouth faster than other candy, reducing the amount of time its sugars remain in contact with tooth surfaces.
Proper oral hygiene to remove carbohydrate residue can prevent the formation of cavities—whether you avoid Chocolate or not.
Myth: Chocolate causes acne.
Fact: Regardless of what your parents say, studies in the past 20 years have eliminated Chocolate as a cause of acne. In fact, many dermatologists doubt that diet plays any significant role in the development of acne. Acne is now believed to be caused by a combination of high bacteria levels and oil on the skin.
Myth: Chocolate causes weight gain.
Fact: Any food can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. An average Chocolate bar contains 220 calories, which is low enough to be a part of a weight control diet if other high-calorie foods are eliminated. Enjoying the occasional piece of Chocolate may reduce the risk of a binge, when you feel deprived of your favourite foods.
Chocolate’s bad reputation is slowly changing and research now shows that Chocolate can be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, when consumed in moderation.
Get your monthly supply at our store. So many brands, so many offers, so much choice. We won’t judge. Go right ahead! We know you want to.
Thank you pixabay.com for the images.