Benefits, harms and recipes for making dark chocolate. Black bitter chocolate, its benefits and harms

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For the most part, according to statistics, the weaker sex prefers milk chocolate. In extreme cases, white or porous. But bitter, with its natural bitterness in taste, is welcomed by few people. But in vain. After all, the benefits of bitter natural chocolate are really significant, while milk chocolate is none at all, except for dubious pleasure. Why is dark chocolate so useful for a woman, and can it harm?

Bitter chocolate: composition optimal for healthy use

Each type of chocolate has its own method of preparation and composition, ranging from the amount of cocoa to the taste properties. As for dark chocolate, it is made on the basis of a certain combination of cocoa and powdered sugar. Moreover, the more cocoa, the richer the bitterness. Ideal option - 72 percent cocoa of excellent quality . In bitter quality chocolate, you will never you will not feel a sour taste and will not find toppings or nuts .

Why dark chocolate is good for women - the benefits of dark chocolate

This type of chocolate is really very good for health in general and for specific purposes, but with one caveat - you should use it a little bit. That is, no more than 25 g per day (quarter of a tile) . Then the effect will really only be positive. So what's the use?

• Brain nutrition and mental stimulation, thanks to the phosphorus in the composition. Useful for knowledge workers, will not interfere with writers for inspiration.
• , contributing to a more efficient functioning of the digestive tract, thanks to magnesium.
• Strengthening of bones(calcium).
• Teeth strengthening thanks to fluorine and phosphates.
• Sore throat treatment, when sucking pieces of dark chocolate.
• Mood boost. No matter how skeptical everyone is about this fact (they say, all these fairy tales are invented by women), but this is really a fact. It is bitter natural chocolate that is able to pull a woman out of spleen, thanks to such an antidepressant as magnesium.
• PMS Relief. Such an "analgesic" as a 25-gram piece of chocolate can significantly alleviate the usual symptoms.
• Youth extension. Say, again a fairy tale? Nothing like this. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can slow down the aging process. The main thing is not to overdo it. Enough daily allowance, on a regular basis.
• Prevention of vascular and cardiac diseases.
• Normalization of cholesterol content.
• Normalization of pressure with excess weight.
• An increase in the body of such a property as digestion of sugar in food due to flavonoids. Which, in turn, strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation and prevent the appearance of blood clots, neutralizing "free radicals".
• Reduction of inflammatory processes(level of C-reactive protein).
• Decreased production of cortisol, stress hormone.

The harm of bitter chocolate for the female body - what is harmful bitter chocolate

Common consumption of chocolate not recommended for children and adults with metabolic disorders, diabetes etc. But, as a rule, these recommendations relate to milk, white and other types of chocolate. Bitter chocolate can harm only if you use it above the specified norm. But is it so perfect, this dark chocolate? When does it become harmful?

• You should not get carried away with chocolate for those who are periodically tormented by migraine attacks . The tannin in chocolate is a vasoconstrictor.
• Low-grade dark chocolate can lead to an exacerbation (and appearance) of gastritis.
• Too much dark chocolate can cause dizziness , insomnia and allergic reaction.
• Considering (although, in comparison with other types of chocolate, it is very low), excessive consumption of dark chocolate contributes to the appearance of extra centimeters at the waist .

How to identify quality dark chocolate - important tips for choosing chocolate

Most often, people, without thinking about whether chocolate is good or bad, just enjoy eating a piece of this delicacy for dessert or during an afternoon snack, and some people like to eat chocolate candy at night. Doctors are in a hurry to reassure: the benefits of chocolate (especially bitter) are greater than the harm, and significantly, and given that it also improves mood, it is simply blasphemous to deprive yourself of this wonderful product.

What are the benefits of chocolate and cocoa

May you have everything in chocolate! - they say to a person whom they want to wish the very best. Why in chocolate? Yes, because it has long become a symbol of luxury and prosperity. An ideal product that has medicinal properties when used inside and outside, fragrant, tasty and affordable, does not leave indifferent children and the elderly, capricious ladies and courageous men...

Chocolate is a favorite treat for many people. True, there are those who are indifferent to him, and, as it turns out, in vain! After all, chocolate is not only a delicious product, but also a remedy. Is chocolate good for you and why? Firstly, one should not deny the invigorating effect of chocolate, due to the presence of cocoa beans in it. What chocolate is useful for is that even a small piece helps with a sharp decline in strength, stimulates the brain. True, not for long, it is necessary to consolidate the effect with a full meal. Note that we are only talking about real dark chocolate, down with fakes! The benefits of dark chocolate have long been used in medicine. It reduces pain in the heart, improves liver function and digestion. In cosmetology, and are popular. But best of all, and most importantly - tastier, to be treated with chocolate from the inside! The benefits of chocolate for children, however, are not so high. In general, pediatricians advise introducing sweets to kids as late as possible, starting somewhere from two to three years old, then the kids will be calmer about it.
lean towards the sweet.

The benefits of chocolate for the body is that the natural substances found in cocoa beans help the body produce neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) - serotonin, tryptophan and dopamine, which affect overall mood and energy. With a low level of production of these substances, a depressive state occurs, which contributes to the emergence of various neuroses.

The following are the main points that emphasize the benefits of chocolate and cocoa for human health and appearance:

• Cocoa has a beneficial effect on human skin, being an excellent natural cosmetic product.
• Cocoa has a beneficial effect on hair, supporting their growth and healthy condition.
• Cocoa is actively involved in the regeneration of the skin and treats many skin diseases and burns.
• Cocoa is good for nutrition and has few restrictions on consumption.
• Cocoa is one of the dietary products indicated for use with excess weight, as well as for vegetarians.
• Cocoa is important for the nutrition of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
• Cocoa is an effective tool for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Eating chocolate for five years (40 grams per day) improves heart function.
• Cocoa improves the condition of blood vessels and prevents diseases such as varicose veins, atherosclerosis and stroke.
• Cocoa stabilizes blood cholesterol levels.
• Cocoa, acting on blood vessels, improves the condition of a patient with diabetes. The natural components of cocoa normalize metabolic processes associated with blood sugar levels.
• Cocoa is rich in active antioxidants and is a prophylactic against cancer.
• Cocoa is rich in magnesium, zinc, chromium, iodine and other minerals and allows you to make up for their deficiency in the human body.
• Cocoa will help everyone who smokes or is in conditions of harmful production or unfavorable environmental conditions.
• Cocoa relieves stress.
• Cocoa fights depression.
• Cocoa improves thought processes, performance and overall well-being.

Bitter and dark chocolate is a healthy choice for a diabetic.

Modern medical science comprehends the mechanisms of many ailments and is looking for the best ways not only in the treatment of certain diseases, but also in their effective prevention. The same goes for our appearance. We want to stay young, but how to effectively maintain our appearance and make it more attractive is a difficult task. However, it turns out that next to us there is a wonderful fighter against diseases and an elixir of youth. Chocolate and cocoa are good tools for solving problems of this kind, although the methods of their use and their benefits are now only slightly revealed to us, who for a long time appreciated only the excellent taste of their products.

What else is dark chocolate good for beauty and health? Among other things, this product is also an excellent prebiotic and, as a result, an important part of dietary products. What do we really know about prebiotics? According to the standard, these are indigestible components of food that stimulate the growth and vital activity of the microflora of the large intestine. These ingredients include trisaccharides, polysaccharides, dietary fiber, antioxidants, microbial extracts, and other prebiotics. Once in the intestines, prebiotics selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora for humans, and primarily lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. As for the benefits of chocolate for women and men, scientists from the Nestlé Research Center, with the participation of colleagues from the German companies BASF and Metanomics, concluded in 2010 that the metabolism of intestinal microflora changes with the daily use of 40 grams of dark chocolate. A similar study was later conducted by Mars and the University of Reading, led by Dr. D. Spencer. For the study, a group of 21 people was selected, some of whom consumed cocoa with a high content of flavonoids (494 mg), and some were content with a drink with a low content of nutrients (23 mg). The result showed a significant increase in the intestines of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the subjects who drank the cocoa drink enriched with flavonoids. Dr. Spencer noted: “The increase in the growth of lacto- and bifidobacteria was the result of the body receiving cocoa flavonoids. It is important to note that these bacteria have a beneficial effect on the intestines, inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms and are currently the most common prebiotics. An increase in the growth of beneficial bacteria affects the positive processes in the colon. They inhibit the growth of pathogenic microflora, stimulate the synthesis of certain vitamins, such as B9, and lower cholesterol levels.”

Methylxanthines are of great importance in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, having a beneficial effect on the heart and circulatory system with theobromine and caffeine. As already noted, back in the 19th century, the beneficial effects of theobromine in angina pectoris were noticed. One hundred years ago, theobromine in combination with sodium salicylate was used as a vasodilator drug. In the same years, questions were raised about the effect of theobromine on blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that theobromine and caffeine in natural doses, that is, as part of cocoa, do not affect the blood pressure of healthy people and patients with type 1 hypertension. The same applies to cocoa drinks artificially enriched with theobromine. Along the way, the researchers found some interesting things. Cocoa, and in particular theobromine included in it, significantly increased "good" cholesterol, the very one that protects our blood vessels. At the same time, the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood of the subjects decreased!

Benefits of dark chocolate for men and women

It has been proven that the benefit of dark chocolate for men is that it reduces the risk of heart attacks in the stronger sex by 17%. This conclusion was made by scientists after an experiment in which men ate 63 grams of chocolate per week for ten years.

The benefits of chocolate for the female body are no less noticeable. However, like other sweets, they should not be abused, otherwise the effect will be the opposite: hello, extra pounds! So that the benefits of dark chocolate for women are not overshadowed by excess weight, the delicacy should be eaten in small portions. For example, one-fourth of a tile per day. This will not only not affect the figure, but will also benefit. It is known that chocolate helps to get rid of a sad mood or stress, that is, it reduces the production of the hormone cortisol. Natural dark chocolate can help a woman get out of depression. Chocolate allows a woman to remain young and beautiful, because it contains antioxidants that prevent the formation of wrinkles on the face.

The benefits of chocolate for men and women are also in the fact that cocoa has a beneficial effect on sexual life.

Which chocolate is good for brain health

The brain is the most important human organ. It is responsible for the proper functioning of all organs and systems of the body. And in order for all brain structures to work smoothly and without failures, you need a good diet containing the necessary vitamins and minerals. With great mental stress, the brain simply requires glucose. In such a situation, you should not torture yourself, and dried fruits or a little chocolate will help satisfy your brain’s hunger for sweets. Which chocolate is better for the brain and why?

Dark chocolate is an important brain stimulant. It activates brain cells, dilates blood vessels, participates in the supply of oxygen to the brain. Chocolate is useful for brain disorders caused by lack of sleep and overwork. Helps to recover faster from a stroke. In addition, it contains phosphorus, which nourishes the brain, and magnesium, which is responsible for cellular balance.

Bitter cocoa without the content of foreign components improves blood circulation in the brain and increases tone. It is insanely useful, but not in the form of a chocolate drink promoted by advertising, namely real hot chocolate. It is believed that the ancient Aztecs were very fond of drinking this drink in the morning. Knowing which chocolate is better for the brain, drink it with a little water, milk and cinnamon to taste.

Surely, doubts about whether dark chocolate is healthy have already disappeared.

Health benefits of dark chocolate

Which chocolate is healthier - dark or milk? After bitter chocolate, the healthiest chocolate is dark, and it has long turned from a luxury into an everyday necessity. Cocoa contains many substances that improve mood, such as magnesium, which is necessary for the production of serotonin in the body. Another element contained in cocoa is called andamine, which causes a feeling of euphoria. It affects the same areas of the brain as marijuana. In addition, your chocolate bar contains phenylethylamine, a substance similar to amphetamine, and theobromine, which invigorates like caffeine.

The benefit of dark chocolate is that this product contains polyphenol - a very effective antioxidant from the flavonoid group: it protects body cells from free radicals. 40 g of dark chocolate contains as many polyphenols as a glass of red wine. If you eat a little dark chocolate every day, you can normalize the pressure.

Dark chocolate contains a range of antioxidants, proanthocyanidins and polyphenols, with cocoa content of 70% or more. There are more polyphenols in one slice of chocolate than in a glass of red wine, and as much as in a cup of green tea. The molecules of these substances slow down the growth of tumor cells and limit angiogenesis (the process of formation of new blood vessels in an organ or tissue). In cancer, this process is very intense.

For dark chocolate to benefit, not harm, consume it in reasonable amounts.

Health benefits of dark chocolate

To find out which chocolate is good for health, check out the following information: studies show that eating even small amounts of dark chocolate two or three times a week can help lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent blood clots. Dark chocolate can also prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

The benefits of dark chocolate for the brain are also great. It increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. It also helps reduce the risk of stroke. Dark chocolate contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on a person's mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a substance that the brain produces when you feel in love. Therefore, the consumption of dark chocolate helps to feel happy. Dark chocolate also contains the mild stimulant caffeine. However, dark chocolate contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. A small bar of chocolate (50g) contains about 30mg of caffeine, while a 250ml cup of coffee contains 200mg.

Dark chocolate helps control blood sugar and helps keep blood vessels healthy and intact. It can protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce insulin resistance by helping cells function properly and regain their ability to use the body's insulin effectively. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants. They help protect the body from free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals speed up the aging process and can cause cancer. Antioxidant-rich foods like dark chocolate can protect against many types of cancer and slow down the signs of aging.

Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to help strengthen tooth enamel. This means that this chocolate, unlike most other sweets, reduces the risk of cavities with proper oral hygiene. Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help suppress a cough.

Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that may support health. In particularly high concentrations, it contains minerals such as potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron. The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, while the magnesium helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

And again, do not forget that in order for dark chocolate to benefit, and not harm, do not abuse this product.

The benefits and harms of milk chocolate for the body

Now it's time to learn about the benefits and harms of milk chocolate for the human body.

Milk chocolate has almost the same effect on the body as black chocolate. The fundamental difference lies in the composition: on the label of a milk bar, in addition to information about the 30-50% cocoa content, you will find a mention of cocoa / vegetable oil, cocoa powder, powdered or condensed milk (it can also be powdered or skimmed cream), sugar. Milk chocolate differs from black primarily in that it contains less cocoa products. The second main difference is the high fat content, which is achieved by adding dairy products. The benefits of milk chocolate are somewhat less than black. The content of useful substances and vitamins (catechin, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron), which cocoa beans are rich in, decreases along with the percentage of cocoa.

If the benefit of milk chocolate is, first of all, in the production of endorphins (hormones of joy) and raising the mood, then it has much more harmful effects. All of them are associated with high fat delicacy and a record sugar content. From here it is easy to predict the consequences: increased cholesterol levels, extra calories, caries, problems with blood vessels and other well-known “sweet” consequences. True, some of them are often exaggerated.

The health benefits and harms of white chocolate

And what is white chocolate good for and what is its harm to health? The sweet ingredients contain a thickener - lecithin and vanillin, manufacturers add nuts, coconut, raisins and other components to it. High aromatic properties and low sugar content are the undoubted benefits of white chocolate, in addition, it contains cocoa butter, rich in vitamin E. It helps women bear the fetus during pregnancy. The benefit of white chocolate is also that the presence of linolenic and arachidic fatty acids in this delicacy contributes to the prevention of diabetes.

The benefits of white chocolate are known due to its tannin, it has anti-inflammatory properties, methylxanine, used in the treatment of bronchial asthma and lung diseases. The product contains anesthetic caffeine, which improves cerebral circulation. Thanks to caffeine, it has a stimulating effect on the body, and due to its tannin content, the product heals abrasions and wounds on the skin. Masks are made from it, which are used for dry or inflamed skin, they treat the effects of furunculosis and eliminate other skin defects.

The harm of white chocolate is observed due to the high content of milk fats in it, which are extremely high in calories. The product is not recommended for obese patients. The harm of white chocolate from its ability to be addictive is known. In addition, due to its high fat and carbohydrate content, it can lead to weight gain if consumed in large amounts.

The harm of white chocolate for allergy sufferers lies in the content in the product, which can cause severe irritation. It can also increase blood pressure or provoke an arrhythmia.

The benefits of white chocolate for young people are high. It successfully fights teenage acne, protects delicate skin from chapping and even frostbite, which means it gives us a good appearance.

The benefits of hot chocolate and how cocoa is useful for the female body

What are the benefits of hot chocolate for humans and especially for the female body? Modern biochemical studies show that cocoa beans contain over 400 chemical compounds, the main of which is phenylephamine. It is this substance that is produced in the human body when he is in love. Another benefit of hot chocolate is that it excites sexual appetite.

Hot chocolate or cocoa clears the mind, promotes digestion and mental activity, rejuvenates the body, and also works with female reproductive cells. The benefit of hot chocolate also lies in the fact that this drink helps with menstrual irregularities, restores ovarian function after childbirth and gynecological operations. It is also indispensable for violations of the thyroid gland.

By the way, contrary to popular belief, cocoa helps to lose extra pounds. It is useful for everyone who watches their figure to go on a cocoa diet.

Well, “in a difficult moment of life” to tone up and improve your mood, drink hot chocolate made from grated chocolate with cream and sugar. Offer the same drink to your loved one before intimacy - to rekindle desire, just like after - to restore strength and stimulate the prostate gland.

The benefits of chocolate for children

Although the benefits of chocolate for children are quite high, doctors strongly recommend not giving it to babies under 1.5 years old. The reason lies in caffeine, theobromine and sugar. These substances excite the nervous system, which is not at all at the time during infancy. The baby is just beginning to learn natural food, he is teething, so additional stimulation of the nervous system is completely unnecessary.

Scientists have developed a new type of chocolate with the addition of juice. The new technology could replace about 50% of the fat in chocolate with juice, vitamin C water or diet cola.

Such chocolate is much healthier for children than regular chocolate, since 60 grams of regular dark chocolate contains 13 grams of fat (that's 20% of the daily value), most of the fat in chocolate is unhealthy saturated fat. The new technology will reduce the amount of fat in the product.

Also, this technology allows you to reduce the amount of sugar in chocolate, which is also good for children's health. To date, the technology works with dark, milk and white chocolate. Scientists have already managed to get chocolate with apple, orange and cranberry juices.

The benefits and harms of soy chocolate with lecithin

There is such a product as soy chocolate: does it bring benefits or harm? Those who are terribly afraid of soy should be warned: most varieties of chocolate contain soy lecithin E476, which belongs to the group of stabilizers. Lecithin for the food industry is obtained from many plants, such as sunflower, but soy is cheaper, so it is used more often. Speaking about the benefits and harms of soy lecithin in chocolate, doctors reassure: in small quantities it is useful for the body, primarily for the nervous system.

The benefit of lecithin in chocolate is also that it has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, brain, and slows down oxidative processes in the body. But soy lecithin in excessive amounts is harmful: it contains phytoestrogens, which have a negative effect on the human hormonal background. Soy lecithin is part of almost any chocolate.

In a number of countries, the use of soy lecithin is prohibited, however, in Russia, Ukraine and most European countries, E476 is freely used in the food industry.

Which chocolate is the most useful: bitter, dark, white or milk?

In order to figure out which chocolate is the most useful, you should know what it is. Bitter, dark, white, milky - all these varieties, despite the common name "chocolate", have completely different properties. Which chocolate is healthier: dark or bitter, white or milk? The benefits of milk and white chocolate due to their high content of sugar and other additives are in doubt, but bitter or dark chocolate in reasonable quantities is undoubtedly useful. True dark chocolate should contain only three ingredients: cocoa liquor, cocoa butter and sugar.

Cocoa, which means high-quality dark chocolate, is rich in flavonols, which prevent clogging of blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of myocardial infarction and angina attacks. Due to the ability of flavonols to synthesize nitric oxide, which is actively involved in the blood circulation in the body, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure. In addition, cocoa contains magnesium, one of the most important minerals for heart health. Thus, with regular, at least twice a week, consumption of dark chocolate, the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly reduced.

Which chocolate is the healthiest for children and adults: the best brands

Well, now for some specifics: Which brand of chocolate is healthier for kids and adults? Natural chocolate without artificial additives is very difficult to find. Even manufacturers of expensive and exclusive brands of chocolate have difficulty finding quality raw materials. Small Swedish producers often use 64% cocoa mass from a wild cocoa tree in the jungles of Bolivia. Swiss chocolate maker Felchlin has made a deal with Amazon Indians to harvest a wild cacao tree for a set period of time on their terms. True gourmets, in addition to the Felchlin brand, choose Valhrona, Callebaut, Chokovic, Belcolade - a brand of chocolate whose producers comply with fair trade rules. Finding it is quite difficult.

Spain's oldest gourmet chocolate brand, Valor, is made in Villajoyosa, often referred to as the "chocolate city". The city has a lot of entertainment related to chocolate, for example, a museum where you can get acquainted with the production technology of this delicacy. Glory came to the city in the XVIII century, when cocoa beans from Ecuador and Venezuela began to be brought here. The healthiest chocolate brand Valor is widely known throughout Europe. In the company's flagship boutique and in various cafes in Alicante, you can try delicious chocolate mousses, cold chocolate drinks with ice cream, as well as a local delicacy, hot chocolate with donuts.

What is the healthiest dark chocolate: the best brands

No one has any doubts which dark chocolate is the most healthy and delicious - of course, Belgian! Belgian chocolate is free of artificial flavors, preservatives and additives according to old production standards. It contains only natural cocoa butter and cocoa mass, and of the highest quality. In Belgium, chocolate is considered bitter if it contains at least 72% cocoa liquor. Almost every Belgian city has a small chocolate factory, as well as small boutique shops where you can buy delicious handmade chocolate. What dark chocolate is useful and known all over the world? The Belgian city of Bruges is generally recognized as the chocolate capital of the world. The most famous Belgian chocolate brands are: Neuhaus, Leonidas, Godiva, Gilian, Pierre Marcolini, Wittamer.

French producers of quality chocolate have recently begun to dislodge Belgian and Swiss chocolatiers from the top lines of the best chocolate rankings.

The best dark chocolate of French production amazes not only with the sophistication of taste and courage in the selection of ingredients. A box of chocolates from the Richard factory, for example, is equipped with built-in sensors that monitor temperature and humidity. The best brands of French chocolate are represented by the following brands: Richard, Madame Sevigne, Michel Richard, Michel Chatillon, Debauve & Gallais.

The best brands of dark chocolate in Russia are produced at the following factories: Fidelity to Quality, Russian Chocolate, Rossiya, Victory of Taste, Odintsovo Confectionery Factory, Bogatyr. The whole gamut of dark chocolate flavors is most fully represented, perhaps, in the products of the Vernost Kachestvo factory. Content of grated cocoa in premium chocolate bars: 65%, 75%, 85% and 99%. Inside one 100 gram package of Assorted Bitter Chocolates, there are 20 square 5 gram bars representing the whole range of bitter chocolate flavors produced by this factory. The taste palette of dark chocolate of the Odintsovo confectionery factory (producing chocolate of the A. Korkunov brand) contains from 55 to 72% cocoa liquor.

Also, the best brands of Russian chocolate are produced at three factories of the United Confectioners holding: Babaevsky Concern, Rot Front, Red October. Bitter chocolate, produced by the Babaevsky concern, amazes with a variety of flavoring additives. Nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), vitamins, pieces of candied fruits, sesame, ginger are added to it. Some types of chocolate are made using a sweetener (isomalt). Bitter chocolate without additives contains 75 and 87% cocoa liquor. The Krasny Oktyabr factory produces dark chocolate of the Slava (porous and dessert) and Gorky brands, containing 80% cocoa liquor. The Rot Front factory, which is part of the same holding, produces 3 variants of dark chocolate of the Autumn Waltz brand, containing 56% cocoa liquor: bitter chocolate with an alcohol content; bitter chocolate with orange pieces; bitter aerated chocolate containing alcohol and pieces of orange.

Buying good chocolate is not as easy as it seems. A truly delicious chocolate - handmade chocolate, a work of art that is hard to pass by. Today, the word "chocolate" refers, most often, to bars made from a combination of cocoa proteins, fats, sugar and other ingredients.

Chocolate is usually produced in small, simulated shapes of squares, animals, people, or fantasy objects. Often they are issued for festive events, for example, in the form of rabbits and eggs for Easter, coins for Hanukkah, St. Nicholas for Christmas, hearts for Valentine's Day and Santa Clauses for the New Year.

Harm of chocolate for the body

Well, now a little fly in the ointment in the barrel of "chocolate honey". Knowing which brands of chocolate are the most useful, we must not forget about the dangers of this product.

Chocolate is a high-calorie product. One bar of chocolate (100 g) contains more than 500 kcal, which is about 1/5 of the daily diet. Excessive consumption of this delicacy leads to the fact that fat begins to be deposited between the muscles, in the connective tissue and under the skin.

The composition of chocolate contains a large amount of fat (up to 40 g per 100 g of chocolate), which negatively affects the cardiovascular system. This delicacy contains caffeine, which can cause heartburn, gastrointestinal diseases, nausea, and prostate enlargement in men. Even from one mug of chocolate, the pulse increases, blood pressure rises. People who have experienced a heart attack and stroke, it is better to abandon this product.

Not at all good, but the harm of chocolate to health will be significant if you use cheap products from an unknown manufacturer. Small producers often replace expensive cocoa butter with palm and coconut oils. Such chocolate products will contain trans fats, which can cause hormonal imbalance, excess weight, atherosclerosis, malignant tumors and other serious pathologies. Chocolate can exacerbate an allergic reaction. Therefore, as soon as the first signs of any allergy appear, you should stop eating sweets for a week.

Before making a purchase, we advise you to carefully read the labels on the packaging. If “vegetable fat” is found among the ingredients, this means that its natural fat has been removed from cocoa - cocoa butter, for which the cosmetic industry is ready to pay any money. Most likely, cocoa butter was replaced with cheap vegetable oil or coconut fat.

Palm oil, which is very unhealthy, is sometimes added to lump chocolate. So, for example, the brand of cocoa Egonkakao (Oegonkakao), beloved by the Swedes since childhood, owes its taste and aroma to artificial additives and flavors. Therefore, think carefully before grabbing a chocolate bar from the shelf at the checkout and throwing it into the cart. Instead of eating bad chocolate, it's best to avoid it altogether.

Chocolate. Many hearts freeze in bliss from this word. How often do we go to the store for another chocolate bar to cheer ourselves up with it, and then we persuade ourselves not to eat the whole bar at once, limiting ourselves to a couple of pieces. And grateful for this beloved delicacy by many, we should be in South and Central America. It is these regions that are considered the birthplace of cocoa beans, from which chocolate is made.

There are many varieties of this sweet. Someone likes milk, others prefer the white variety. However, the most respected is black, bitter chocolate. Many admirers of this sweet give preference to it, with pleasure buying dark chocolate bars with such a wonderful bitterness or looking for their favorite bitter truffles on the store shelf.

It should be noted that it is dark varieties that have proven benefits for the body. Therefore, enjoying the unique aroma and bittersweet taste, you can at the same time improve your own health. So why is dark chocolate valuable, what are the benefits and harms of eating it? This is what I will tell you today. First, let's talk a little about what kind of chocolate is considered bitter and how it is used in cooking:

Bitter chocolate in cooking

First, let's define what kind of chocolate is considered bitter. Typically, the content of cocoa beans in a sweet product ranges from 30 to 90 percent. A real bitter is considered concentrated dark chocolate with a cocoa bean content of at least 70 percent. A product containing cocoa beans is called extra black. Such noble chocolate is usually served with a skate, an expensive red wine.

Bitter varieties have long been favorites with confectioners. With the help of this chocolate, you can decorate any dessert, pastries, cakes and pastries. Based on bitter varieties, a variety of liqueurs, mousses, and sweet sauces are made.

Benefits of dark chocolate

Of all the varieties of a sweet product, it is the dark, bitter variety that has undoubted benefits for the body. Naturally, we are talking about the use in small quantities. Cocoa beans contain organic compounds - flavonoids, which affect the activation of the body's production of nitric oxide, which improves blood flow. Therefore, the darker the chocolate, the more cocoa beans it contains, the more benefits it provides.

The bitter variety also contains catechins. This natural antioxidant protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, which prevents the formation of cancer cells, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have confirmed the fact that eating a small amount of dark chocolate a day improves brain function, reduces the risk of stroke, and stabilizes blood cholesterol levels. A few bites of bitter treat a day reduces the risk of developing diabetes.

By the way, London scientists have found that using it with a strong cough eliminates the disease no worse, and sometimes even better than many drugs. It has also been scientifically proven that the hormone of joy serotonin gives chocolate a very useful property - to improve mood, increase body tone.

Who is dangerous dark chocolate? Harm of a sweet product

The sweet product contains tannin, which has the ability to constrict blood vessels. Therefore, you should not get too carried away with it during periodic migraine attacks. You also need to know that excessive consumption can harm the body in the form of allergic reactions, as well as cause nervous excitement, insomnia.

Never buy cheap, low-grade dark chocolate, as its use can contribute to the development of gastritis or exacerbate an existing disease.

Remember that any chocolate, including bitter varieties, is useful only in small doses. Just 2-3 pieces per day is enough. If you eat a whole tile, it will cause much more than it will benefit. And the mood, most likely, will not improve, but deteriorate.

Well, now, let's prepare a cup of hot chocolate, which also has useful properties, and besides, it will pleasantly warm you on cold, autumn days.

Brazilian hot chocolate recipe

For cooking, we need: 100 g of bitter, dark chocolate, 2 cups of whole milk, half a cup of sugar. You also need 60 ml of your favorite strong coffee and 250 ml of water.

Cooking:

Pour water into an enamel saucepan, boil. Break the chocolate into pieces, dip into boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cook, stirring, until the pieces are completely dissolved. Boil the milk on a separate burner. Now carefully pour it into the pan with chocolate. Pour sugar, pour in freshly brewed, strained coffee. Simmer over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Now you can pour a sizzling drink into your favorite cup, enjoy the full taste of hot chocolate and finally understand how wonderful life is!

Bitter chocolate is a delicacy loved by many gourmets. Its popularity is growing every day, even though the cost of a quality dark chocolate bar is quite high.

Dark chocolate is never made with fillings, it should not contain more than 5% of other vegetable oils, and in terms of their properties they should be equivalent to cocoa butter. Many unscrupulous manufacturers add cheap chocolate to chocolate, which will undoubtedly affect the taste of the product. Also, GOST does not allow the addition of flavors, dyes and other ingredients. Real bittersweet chocolate is dark brown - the color of cocoa, not black.

Useful properties of dark chocolate

Speaking about the benefits of dark chocolate, we will mean a quality product made in accordance with GOST. The nutritional value of such a product is represented by fats, carbohydrates and proteins, it contains dietary fiber, tannins and dyes, vitamins and minerals, caffeine, theobromine and many other natural chemical compounds that have various effects on the human body.

One of the main health benefits of chocolate is considered by many to be its ability to improve mood. It contains the amino acid tryptophan, B vitamins and carbohydrates, which stimulate the production of serotonin, called the hormone of happiness. That is why real dark chocolate is considered an excellent tool to combat depression and bad mood. Due to the high percentage of carbohydrates and fats, it provides the body with energy. The caffeine contained in dark chocolate tones and activates brain activity. So if you are tired, then a piece of this delicacy will give strength and cheer you up.

Bitter chocolate is the champion in the content of substances with antioxidant properties, it contains several times more of them than in. People who often use this delicacy protect their body from premature aging and cancer.

Chocolate with a high content of cocoa products is good for the cardiovascular system. It contains trace elements necessary for the functioning of the heart muscle. It has been proven that the biologically active compounds that make up the delicacy make the walls of blood vessels more elastic, prevent platelets from sticking together, and, consequently, the formation of blood clots. Substances that are in dark chocolate have a vasodilating and diuretic effect, which contributes. At the same time, one should not be afraid of the negative effect of caffeine on the cardiovascular system, since the content of this substance in a whole bar of chocolate is several times less than in a cup of coffee.

Daily consumption of a few pieces of dark chocolate will favorably affect the metabolism. This is due to the fact that it contains elements that stimulate the burning of fats. Thus, this delicacy can be not only tasty, but even a useful addition to many weight loss diets, during which sweets are usually limited. However, it should be remembered that abuse can lead to the opposite effect, yet the calorie content of dark chocolate is about 550 kcal per 100 g of product.

Chocolate with a high content of cocoa products contains theobromine, a substance on the basis of which medicines are produced for the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases. Also, theobromine, like caffeine, has a weak diuretic effect.

Chocolate for beauty

Recently, all kinds of cosmetic procedures with chocolate (wraps, massages, masks, peelings, etc.) have become very popular. This is due to the fact that caffeine, cocoa butter and other substances that make up its composition stimulate blood circulation and fat metabolism in the skin. Thanks to this, chocolate wraps and massages are useful for combating cellulite, making the skin more elastic and elastic. For the same reason, chocolate face masks are popular, their regular use helps slow down skin aging and get rid of fine wrinkles. For cosmetic purposes, you also need to choose good quality dark chocolate.

The harm of chocolate

Despite the fact that dark chocolate is much more beneficial for the body than any other varieties of this delicacy, and it can be harmful. And in most cases, this is possible only as a result of abuse. On the day you need to eat no more than 30 g of this product.

Chocolate contains quite a lot of sugar and fat, so its abuse can lead to impaired carbohydrate metabolism and obesity.

This delicacy can cause an allergic reaction, often manifested in the form of hives. However, with moderate use of this product, in adults, such consequences are rare.

Dark chocolate contains quite a lot of substances that cause the formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys, so it is not recommended to use it for urolithiasis, gout and other joint diseases.

Poor-quality products that contain trans fats, low-quality cheap vegetable oils, flavors, and other chemicals that should not be in real dark chocolate can have a negative effect on the body.

Program “Examination of things. OTK" on the theme "Bitter and dark chocolate":

Nutritionist Lidia Ionova talks about the benefits of dark chocolate:

The most important ingredient for the production of the review hero is cocoa beans. Their homeland is South America. For the Indians, they also served as money, and the surrounding pulp was used to brew a kind of beer.

Approximately 3 million tons of valuable raw materials are grown annually on the planet. Up to 70% of this amount falls on the backward countries of West Africa.

When cultivating cocoa, child and even slave labor is often used. Therefore, some manufacturers specifically label tiles with marks about the “humane” and “ethical” manufacturing method.

Bitter and milky: the main differences

Raw materials for production are obtained in several stages. First, dried, fried and de-pulped beans are crushed and heated. It turns out a viscous thick mass, which is called "liquor cocoa". It is divided into fatty cocoa butter and dry cocoa powder.

In milk chocolate, the main ingredients- condensed and dry milk. It is these products that make chocolates so sweet. Actually cocoa (in the form of a dry powder) in a milk sample can be as little as 10%. There are no health benefits to this delicacy. It is oversaturated with fast carbohydrates and "empty" calories. Leaning on it is a direct path to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

To reduce costs, technologists add palm oil and trans fats to products. Both components contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Especially often this pathetic semblance is used for the hard crust of “chocolate bars”. The content of cocoa powder in them only a few percent (!).

Bitter chocolate (English "dark chocolate") is a sample in which the content of cocoa products is at least 70%. In the best varieties, this concentration reaches 99%. Only such a delicacy has extensive beneficial properties.

The ultimate gourmet dream is the so-called "raw chocolate" (English "raw chocolate"). It is obtained directly from grated cocoa without prior separation into oil and powder.

Composition and calories

On average, 100 grams of dark chocolate with a mass fraction of cocoa of 70-85% contains:

Calorie content - 599 kcal - 30%

• Proteins -7.8 g - 16%
• Fat - 42.7 g - 66%
• Saturated fat - 24.5 g - 122%
• Carbohydrates - 45.8 g - 15%
• Dietary fiber, g - 3.1 - 12%

Vitamins (desc)

• Vitamin K, mcg - 7.3 - 9%
• Vitamin B2, mg - 0.1 - 5%
• Vitamin B3, mg - 1.1 - 5%

Minerals (desc)

• Manganese, mg - 1.9 - 97%
• Copper, mg - 1.8 - 88%
• Iron, mg - 11.9 - 66%
• Magnesium, mg - 228 - 57%
• Phosphorus, mg - 308 - 31%
• Zinc, mg - 3.3 - 22%
• Potassium, mg - 715 - 20%
• Selenium, mcg - 6.8 - 10%
• Calcium, mg - 73 - 7%

Caffeine, mg - 80

Theobromine, mg - 802

* As a percentage (%), the proportion of the average daily allowance for an adult with a balanced diet of 2 thousand kcal is indicated.

Depending on the manufacturer, food additives in the tile (sweeteners, oils, flavors, nuts) change. To find out how many calories are in a particular brand of dark chocolate, carefully read the information on the wrapper.

These key nutrients are just the tip of the iceberg. The unique strength of the product lies in the biologically active substances in its composition.

Health benefits of dark chocolate

Cocoa beans are a storehouse of antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants protect the cells of all organs and slow down aging.

1 gram of dark chocolate contains up to 30.1 mg of flavonoids. This is significantly more than in green tea and red wine.

Chocolate flavonoids lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation in tissues. ()

Cocoa powder normalizes lipid metabolism. "Bad" cholesterol in the blood decreases, and "good" increases. ()

There is no doubt that dark chocolate is good for the heart. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 50% is the combined effect of harmonizing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. ()

Another critically important effect is the improvement of blood circulation in the brain and, as a result, mental activity. It is especially pronounced in the elderly. ()

Flavonoids have a pronounced anti-cancer effect. ()

Our hero helps to overcome the symptoms of chronic fatigue and increase efficiency. ()

It is generally accepted that the product enhances sexual desire. This is shamelessly pedaled when answering the question of how bitter chocolate is useful for men. Even the Spanish conquistadors wrote that the Aztec emperor drinks a chocolate drink before visiting his wives.

An interesting study showed that consumers of treats are more likely to have sex. () The authors honestly point out that the most shokofans among young women, whose sexual appetites are already high. We invite you to check for yourself whether dark chocolate is really an aphrodisiac.

Side effects and contraindications

The unconditional benefit for many body systems is not without risks and harm in other health planes.

• The product contains caffeine. Symptoms of a caffeine overdose include nervousness, frequent urination, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat.
• Expectant mothers (both pregnant and those who want to conceive a child) are better off avoiding daily chocolate treats.
• Some varieties contain dairy products. People who are allergic to them, or intolerant to casein, should read labels carefully. Please note that bitter and dairy product bars are often produced on the same equipment. The risk of allergy remains even if milk is not on the ingredient list.
• Not a rare participant in the delicacy is the natural emulsifier lecithin. Most often it is obtained from soy. If you are allergic to soy, do not get carried away with chocolate with food additive E322 (soy lecithin).
• It has been proven that the hypotensive effect of a diet with dark chocolate is especially pronounced in diabetes mellitus. However, if sugar is used as a sweetener, then the harm overshadows the valuable properties. For diabetics, purchase products with or without sweeteners.
• Remember the high calorie content of dark chocolate and the abundance of fat. For those who follow the figure, an evening walk of at least 40 minutes on foot or cycling is a necessary continuation of the daily chocolate snack.
• Important! Do not give the delicacy (especially bitter) to cats and dogs! It is poisonous to pets up to and including death.

Some people say that chocolate is "addictive" and even compare it to a drug. Alas, science does not confirm such reviews.

How much can you eat per day

So how much dark chocolate can you eat to benefit from it? Here's what experts from the University of Michigan advise.

• Max per week must not exceed seven ounces, i.e. 198 grams or slightly less than 2 hundred grams of tiles.
• Average amount per day- one ounce, or 28.3 grams. This is a little more than ¼ of 100 grams of a standard tile.

Luxurious bitterness: how to eat right

Note!

If you're used to the sugary-sweet taste of milk pacifiers, the taste of real dark chocolate can be overwhelming at first.

To fully enjoy a valuable product, we recommend a phased approach.

1. Rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste of past meals.
2. Bring chocolate to your nose and inhale its aroma. In bitter it is especially pronounced.
3. Warm the piece a little in your hands so that it melts faster in your mouth.
4. If you start to actively chew, the taste will seem more pungent than it really is. Gently crush the chocolate square with your teeth and suck the pieces on your tongue like candy. The oil contained in the healthy treat will melt, and you will hardly feel any unpleasant bitterness.

Dark chocolate can be added to drinks, smoothies and shakes (preferably without milk, which you can read below). This option is especially good if you want to stretch the pleasure.

Ideal utility: where to buy

Quality costs money. Good dark chocolate doesn't come cheap. Acceptable analogues in Russia cost from 150-180 rubles per tile(at prices for autumn 2017).

What is the best dark chocolate?

You will benefit a lot if you focus on samples that have 85% cocoa or more. There are certain useful properties in tiles from 70%. Their range in Russia is much wider.

When holding a tile with a proud label on the front, do not forget read the composition on the reverse side. Below we have listed some important information to check on labels.

The variety and price of chocolate goodies can be assessed on iHerb. The world's best prices for natural products and the opportunity to buy dark chocolate 75, 80, 85, 88 and 99% from famous brands.

Choose organic dark chocolate with different cocoa content:

From relatively recent purchases, I liked this Alter Eco. Super chocolatey rich texture, deliciously bitter with a fruity sour finish. Cocoa 85%, without additives and lecithin.

Dark chocolate: which is the best and how to choose

Several points need to be taken into account.

• Golden Rule: the shorter the list of ingredients- the higher the quality of the product.
• First on the list cocoa mass (chocolate liquor), cocoa powder (cocoa solids), cocoa butter (cocoa butter), as well as whole cocoa beans (cocoa beans) or their individual pieces (cocoa nibs) should stand.
• Sugar should be further down the list.
• Our goal is tiles with maximum content cocoa products. Look in the range from 70%. 80% or 85% will do, but 99% is considered ideal.

On the front side of the package, 75, 85, 90% are clearly indicated ... On the fence, they also write in a big way. Check the small letters on the reverse side for the total cocoa solids content.

• Roasting and processing with alkaline solutions (eng. "Dutch process") reduce the amount of flavonoids in grated cocoa by a gigantic amount - from 60 to 90%. () It is better to buy dark chocolate marked "natural cocoa" (natural, natural) or "non-alkalised cocoa" (not treated with alkali).
• To reduce the cost of tiles, manufacturers add nuts to it, for example. However, avoid products with the addition of caramel, molasses and other high-calorie sweeteners. The fewer empty calories, the better.
• The only source of fat in a quality product is cocoa butter. Don't buy if among the ingredients there are palm and coconut oils, vegetable fats, margarine.
• The best examples are free of flour, baking powder, artificial flavors and colors, stabilizers and water-retaining agents.
• It is believed that the emulsifier-lecithin (E322, E476) is not harmful to health. But its large amount is an indirect sign that the product is made mainly from cocoa powder, and there is little cocoa butter in it.

According to one hypothesis, milk reacts with chocolate flavonoids and prevents the body from absorbing them well. Try to choose a product that does not contain dairy additives.

External signs of quality tiles

So, to evaluate the beneficial properties, the first task is to read the labels. But the important criterion is taste. If you buy a product of an unfamiliar brand, limit yourself to one tile. You can check its quality by appearance, smell, color.

What to pay attention to?

• Appearance. High-quality chocolate has a smooth shiny surface without spots and bumps. A whitish, frost-like or fog-like coating indicates that the product is stale.
• Hue. Depending on the soil in which the cocoa beans were grown and how they were roasted, chocolate can have a pink, reddish, orange or purple hue.
• Texture. Good tiles break with cracks and crumbs. The edges of the pieces remain smooth, without chipping.
• Tactile sensations. The surface of the tile must be smooth.
• The taste is pronounced and velvety when resolving a piece on the tongue. Poor quality is indicated by a heterogeneous aftertaste of scattered grains, a feeling of wax or oil at the end of the tasting.

We'd love to know what inspired you to try dark chocolate. The benefits for most people outweigh the potential harm. You already know how to choose the best sample.

It remains only to watch the video "Test purchase". Which brands are the best in terms of reviews in Russia and how they will be evaluated by an independent examination from the 1st channel. According to consumers, Babaevsky is in the lead. Will he retain the lead by the end of the competition? Find out from 22:47.

P.S. For dessert, a small table with the "charms" of popular Russian brands, including Babaevsky.

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