Properties of chocolate, a small healthy pleasure

September 28, 2020

Cacao means "food of the gods" in Greek, and no wonder. There are many properties of this delicacy that comes from America. The first uses of cocoa in Europe were for medicinal purposes due to its invigorating properties, and it was even considered the Viagra of the time.

The cocoa fruit is nothing like the processed product that we normally consume, it is larger than a hand and has a convex shape, rough skin, abundant pulp and a sweet taste on the inside. The magic of cocoa lies in its seeds, which are quite bitter when eaten raw.

Before these nuggets are ready to be made into chocolate, they must go through a process. First, they are left to ferment inside the fruit by the action of the pulp, which reduces bitterness. Then they are left to dry before being exported to industrialised countries, where they are used to make the chocolate that is so popular.

1. It is a stimulant and euphoriant food, it has a component, "phenylethylamine", which acts on the brain causing emotional wellbeing and regulating mood. which acts on the brain, causing emotional well-being and regulating mood.
2. It contains alkaloids, making cocoa a stimulating meal, like coffee or tea, as it increases the heart rate, so we are more active and awake.
3. It is an energetic food, rich in vegetable fat and also caloric when converted into chocolate, as sugars and some thickening elements are added. It is perfect for sportsmen and women.
4. Natural cocoa is a great antioxidant and contains more than 30 such components.
5. Cocoa also has an effect on the skin, acting to improve blemishes, dryness, or as an exfoliant. It is used in the preparation of creams for all skin types.
6. It is rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
7. The presence of antioxidants plays a preventive role in diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease.
8. Eating chocolate produces an intense pleasure that relaxes the nervous system, even though it is a stimulant meal.
9. It is a natural antidepressant, boosts the immune system and is very useful in times of spring or autumn asthenia.
10. It has anti-cellulite properties and has led to the development of "chocolate therapy".