Every time you want to take a bite of a chocolate or maybe a cookie, you have a guilty conscience, right? This temptation has it’s price. Is chocolate full of caffeine, saturated fats and ultimately bad for your health? Fortunately – it is not always so. Recent studies have shown that chocolate can still be a part of a healthy diet. Here we explain some of the most popular myths about this delicious treat.
Myth: Chocolate is filled with caffeine.
Fact: Although chocolate gives you energy, it does not contain a lot of caffeine. Indeed, 50grams of chocolate does contain 6 milligrams of caffeine, which is as much as 1 cup of decaf coffee (“normal” coffee contains around 65-135 mg of coffee).
Myth: Chocolate is packed with saturated fats and has a bad influence on your cholesterol levels.
Fact: Stearic acid, the main ingredient in chocolate is unique. Studies have shown that chocolate does not raise cholesterol more than other products with saturated fats. As a matter of fact, if you eat 50 grams it will positively influence the “good” cholesterol (HDL).
Myth: Chocolate has no nutritional value.
Fact: Chocolate is a good source of magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Chocolate contains polyphenols (antioxidants that can be found in tea and red wine) which slightly affect the possibility of heart disease. Plain chocolate has as much antioxidants as 150ml of red wine. A joint research team of Boston University and Tufts University of L’Aquila in Italy, has found that the daily intake of dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than milk, and stimulates a reduction in blood pressure and also improves insulin resistance.
Myth: Chocolate is the cause of cavities.
Fact: Sweets by themselves do not cause cavities. Cavities are formed when bacteria in the mouth metabolizes the sugar from food (candy, soft drinks, bread, rice, pasta), which then creates acid. The acid is the reason cavities are formed. However, calcium and phosphate, which are found in milk chocolate, can protect the enamel of your teeth.
Fact: Regular use of fluoride and regular dental hygiene remove carbohydrate debris.
Myth: Chocolate makes you fat!
Fact: An average piece of chocolate contains 220 calories, and it is really too small an amount to cause obesity.
Chocolate’s bad reputation is changing. Recent studies have shown that chocolate can be part of a healthy diet. If you eat moderately and choose mainly dark chocolate, there is no reason for concern. Just enjoy this delicious treat.
