Do you enjoy biting into a square of chocolate, whether dark or milk, during your coffee break? Do you like to end your meal with a sweet touch? We understand you PER-FECT-LY! So, let's analyze the impact of chocolate on our summer body! ☀️
What are the benefits of chocolate?
Before talking about the things that bother us, let's start by recalling the many benefits of chocolate for our body.
Eternal youth, here we come!
Did you know that chocolate is a food rich in magnesium and vitamin E? Indeed, thanks to its various superpowers, your body will thank you for consuming it!
– Chocolate is one of the foods richest in magnesium! The more cocoa chocolate contains, the higher its magnesium content, which will help you fight against aging and fatigue. 😴
– And how does vitamin E help us stay young? It is an antioxidant that stimulates the nervous system and limits the degradation and aging of cells. 👶
As you can see, eating chocolate will help you stay young.
Stay calm, be calm
Dark chocolate is known for its anti-stress properties! Indeed, with the magnesium it contains, biting into a square will help regulate your cortisol level and can provide a relaxing effect to your body.
P.S.: By opting for dark chocolate, you will activate the production of endorphins, also known as the pleasure hormone.
Have an elephant's memory
Are you in the middle of exams? Chocolate will be your ally! This superfood, rich in flavonoids, methylxanthines, and theobromines (quite a program! 🙃) will improve blood flow to the part of the brain associated with memory, i.e., the hippocampus. This will promote cognitive performance. Yes, Jamy! 🤓
That's all well and good, but does chocolate make you gain weight?
The composition of chocolate
Before answering the question above, it is essential to understand what chocolate contains. It is mainly composed of cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, and – depending on the type of chocolate – milk. This means it is rich in calories, fats, and sugars. Thus, consumed in excess, it can indeed contribute to weight gain.
It's all about quantity
As with every good thing, as long as you eat the right quantities, there is nothing to fear! Moderation is key. If you consume large quantities of chocolate and do not balance your caloric intake with physical activity, it is likely that you will gain weight. However, moderate consumption, combined with a balanced diet, will not necessarily lead to weight gain. Opt for reasonable portions (one napolitain a day won't hurt you, we promise!).
Dark chocolate vs. Milk chocolate: a caloric battle
The caloric value can vary depending on brands and specific recipes, but in general:
– Dark chocolate contains on average between 500 and 600 Kcal per 100g. Its fat content is higher due to the greater amount of cocoa, but it generally contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
– Milk chocolate contains on average between 520 and 580 Kcal per 100g. Although its fat content may be slightly lower than that of dark chocolate, it contains more sugar and calories from added milk.
Let's now compare our 2 flagship recipes: 71% dark chocolate and 41% milk chocolate.
– Our dark chocolate shows 566 Kcal, 43g of lipids, and 26g of sugar per 100g.
– Our milk chocolate shows 580 Kcal, 40g of lipids, and 38g of sugar per 100g.
In terms of calories, dark chocolate and milk chocolate are quite similar, although milk chocolate may be slightly more caloric due to its sugar and milk content. However, the choice between the two should also consider other nutritional factors, such as antioxidant content (present in vitamin E) and minerals (like magnesium). If you are looking for health benefits, dark chocolate is generally considered a better option. But as always, moderation is key, regardless of the variety chosen. 🍫
