Does chocolate make you fat or cause acne? : 8 myths and truths about one of the most tempting foods

Chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world, but it’s also the subject of numerous discussions about its effects on health. Does chocolate increase stress? Is it an aphrodisiac? These and other questions have given rise to myths and truths that often confuse cocoa lovers.

all these are 8 common beliefs About chocolate, Some are correct, some are not, and some are only partially correct.

1-Caffeine content in chocolate: True, but not conclusive. Chocolate is obtained by mixing sugar with cocoa butter and finely ground cocoa. While chocolate does contain caffeine, the amount is not comparable to a cup of espresso. Dark chocolate may contain more caffeine than milk chocolate due to its higher cocoa content, but it’s still a manageable option for those who are sensitive to caffeine. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is not a problem For most healthy adults.

2- Chocolate and Cholesterol: It depends. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not necessarily increase LDL cholesterol. Some studies suggest that certain types of fat present in chocolate may even help lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Dark chocolate, which is rich in polyphenols, is the best choice for this.

A scientific research team led by Dr. Hui Rutai of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College found that chocolate It only helps people who already have risk factors for heart disease, and only when consumed in moderation. Researchers concluded in a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that consuming moderate amounts of cocoa may be “a valuable dietary approach” to preventing high cholesterol in certain populations.

Only people who consumed small amounts of cocoa (260 mg or less of polyphenols) had a cholesterol-lowering effect. People who consumed more had no effect. Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, chocolate, and red wine. A 35-gram piece of milk chocolate contains approximately 300 mg of polyphenols.

3-Chocolate makes people fattening: It depends on each person’s habits. Chocolate-related weight gain depends on each individual’s daily diet. Research shows that eating chocolate occasionally (such as once a week) does not lead to weight gain. Additionally, it has been observed that certain substances in chocolate, such as catechins, can speed up metabolism and aid weight loss.

4-Chocolate and Stress: Allies Surprisingly, chocolate can help some people reduce stress. Consuming it regularly over a period of time can reduce the production of stress hormones. When dark chocolate is consumed in moderation, stress hormone levels in the body are significantly reduced, leading to greater focus and calmness.The reason for this feeling is that serotonin Found in cocoa.Serotonin, a very powerful natural antidepressant, is increased because cocoa also stimulates endorphinsthose hormones responsible for happiness.

5- Nutritional content in chocolate: reality Dark chocolate is a rich source Antioxidants, especially polyphenols, Similar to red wine or green tea. Plus, it contains mineral salts and plant fibers, making it a healthier option than we think.

6- Should chocolate contain 70% cocoa to be healthy?unnecessary Although it is recommended that dark chocolate contain at least 70% cocoa for health benefits, some studies show that even chocolate containing 50% or 60% cocoa can have positive effects, such as lowering blood pressure.

7-Chocolate as an aphrodisiac: an unsolved mystery Although the Aztecs believed that cacao had aphrodisiac properties, this effect has not been scientifically proven. However, chocolate and cocoa can improve your mood, thus aiding in romantic encounters.

8-Chocolate and Acne: Not a Big Deal The relationship between chocolate and acne is a myth. Most patients don’t notice any changes in their food-related acne, and large amounts of chocolate don’t seem to make the condition worse.

In summary, chocolate is a food that can provide health benefits if consumed in moderation and comes in lower sugar, higher cocoa varieties. However, excess is never a good thing and we must remember that white chocolate does not offer the same benefits due to its low cocoa content and high sugar content. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy chocolate sensibly and choose darker varieties to take advantage of its health properties.