100% cocoa chocolate is less affordable, but it is the healthiest, because the more cocoa, the greater the benefit of eating chocolate.
White, semi-sweet, milk, diet chocolate: there are a multitude of types of chocolate on the market, but It is essential to know how to choose the best one for consumption, especially if the person already suffers from a health problem, which can be aggravated by the intake of large amounts of sugar. To facilitate the choice, especially during this Easter period, the cardiologist and pacemaker specialist Dr. Roberto Yano explains the characteristics of some of the sweets and advises on the ideal type for each person.
THE MORE COCOA IN THE CHOCOLATE, THE BETTER!
According to Yano, the more cocoa there is in the chocolate mixture, the purer it will be and will contain less fat and sugar. “Cocoa has substances that are precursors of tryptophan and serotonin, neurotransmitters that regulate our mood, sleep and appetite. It is rich in iron and antioxidant substances and, therefore, enters the list of natural anti-inflammatories”, explained Dr. Roberto.
However, this does not mean that eating chocolate only brings benefits. The doctor points out that it is necessary to observe the amount to be consumed, because if it is in excess it will not bring benefits.
“Milk chocolate, for example, has around 25% cocoa, the rest is sugar and fat.. Sugar is a pro-inflammatory food, that is, in addition to causing inflammation, it can cause insulin spikes, increase triglycerides and bad cholesterol. The ideal is to consume milk chocolate a few times, or choose another type with a higher percentage of cocoa, such as semisweet or dark chocolate.”clarified Yano.
DIET CHOCOLATE HAS LESS CALORIES?
When chocolate is diet, it means that it does not have a certain ingredient, such as sugar or fat. Some may have sweetener, so it’s important to always read the label. “People who are diabetic should consume only diet chocolate, 70% cocoa or zero sugar., instead of milk chocolate or white chocolate, as the latter have a lot of sugar. But it is important to note that diet chocolate does not always have fewer calories”warned.
40% cocoa chocolate is easily found in the market. In Brazil it is called semisweet chocolates that have between 40 and 65% cocoa. “This type of chocolate may have less sugar and still contain hydrogenated fat that is not good for the body”said Yano.
There is also 100% cocoa chocolate, it is less accessible, but it is the healthiest, because the more cocoa, the greater the benefit of chocolate intake..
About Dr. Roberto Yano:
Dr. Roberto Yano is a cardiologist and specialist in Artificial Cardiac Stimulation by the Brazilian Society of Cardiovascular Surgery and AMB.
Source: Recreio
