Dark chocolate - composition, calorie content, beneficial properties and harm for men, women and for weight loss

Dark chocolate is a natural antidepressant and antioxidant, it is low in sugar and has almost no contraindications. Together with nutritionist Alla Chekanova, we tell you why this type of chocolate is worth diversifying your diet.

Alla Chekanova

nutritionist

The main benefit of dark chocolate lies in the cocoa beans and cocoa butter.

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The benefits of dark chocolate

A natural product without additives can be used as a medicine, if the dosage is not abused. The benefits of dark chocolate are based on the positive properties of cocoa beans. If a person consumes 20 grams of treats daily, this is:

• stimulates cerebral circulation;
• activates the production of the hormone of joy;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• reduces the risk of stroke;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• serves as a prevention of atherosclerosis;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• soothes cough (thanks to the component theobromine);
• strengthens bones due to the presence of calcium.

What are the benefits of dark chocolate? Consuming a small amount of it, unlike dairy, improves performance, health, and counteracts diseases. Using:

• protection against cancer occurs due to antioxidant properties;
• a stimulating effect is produced due to the presence of caffeine;
• aging slows down;
• the feeling of hunger decreases;
• depression is treated;
• weight loss;
• brain function improves;
• the body is saturated with vitamins;
• bleeding gums decreases;
• the deficiency of zinc, magnesium, chromium is compensated.

What are the benefits of dark chocolate for women?

Chocolate has a special effect on the female body. The ingredients of the delicacy activate blood circulation and fat metabolism, which is why the use of the product in cosmetology has been so popular lately. The benefits of dark chocolate for women are noted if you regularly make wraps, masks, and massages with it:

• signs of cellulite are eliminated;
• skin aging slows down;
• beauty is preserved;
• improves hair structure and growth;
• small wrinkles are removed.

This product is included in diets, promoting weight loss, and also has the ability to treat skin diseases and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Eating a small amount of sweets is a positive remedy for:

• disruption of the menstrual cycle;
• the need to restore ovarian function after childbirth;
• disorders of the thyroid gland;
• the appearance of unpleasant symptoms during menstruation and menopause.

The benefits of dark chocolate for men

Recent studies have proven that the delicacy is also beneficial for men. If you consume a real, high-quality product little by little, you can maintain vigor and health for a long time. What are the benefits of dark chocolate for men? If you eat a treat with natural ingredients, you can:

• reduce the risk of diseases of the vascular system, heart - heart attack by 15%;
• prevent stroke;
• raise vitality;
• improve mood due to the formation of endorphins;
• increase male strength;
• increase libido;
• activate sexual life - is an aphrodisiac.

Health Benefits

The most remarkable effect of chocolate on the body is improving mood due to the production of endorphins in the blood.

Other beneficial properties from regular consumption of the product in moderation are as follows:

1. Thanks to the composition of chocolate rich in vitamins and minerals, in particular, performance increases, concentration and attention improve, and brain activity increases.
2. Dark chocolate has an effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and prevents the development of thrombosis. The confectionery product acts as a prophylactic against the risk of stroke and heart attack.
3. Due to the antioxidants included in the product, the aging process slows down and the rate of cell regeneration increases.
4. The product helps remove harmful chemicals, poisons and toxins from the body.
5. Due to the high content of phosphorus, fluorine and calcium in chocolate, the bone skeleton is strengthened.
6. Systematic consumption of the product helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
7. Thanks to the product, the functioning of nerve cells improves. Chocolate is used to treat depression and apathy, although there is no scientific evidence of the product's positive effects on nervous disorders.
8. It is recommended to eat chocolate while losing weight in the morning or in the first half of the day to saturate the body with useful elements that it is deprived of due to dieting.

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A few pieces of this natural product will increase your productivity and energize your body. The benefits of eating chocolate are equally great for both women and men.

Important! In small quantities, high-quality dark chocolate can be eaten if you have diabetes, as the product helps normalize the process of sugar absorption by the body. For diabetics, special dark chocolate is produced using safe sweeteners instead of powdered sugar.

Is it possible to eat dark chocolate on a diet?

There is an opinion that the high calorie content of the product contributes to weight gain. This is true if you overindulge in the amount of treats you eat. A few pieces a day will only help you lose weight, because it contains substances that stimulate fat burning. Dark chocolate is used in diets for weight loss because:

• cholesterol and blood sugar levels decrease.
• metabolism accelerates;
• the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves;
• the elimination of toxins is activated;
• the feeling of hunger is prevented.

How many calories are in dark chocolate?

The product is high in calories and, if consumed in excess, can cause fat deposition. One tile contains a fifth of the daily requirement. The calorie content of dark chocolate depends on the percentage of cocoa beans indicated on the package. The lower the value, the more sugar it contains. This indicates that the calorie content of the product is higher (in the range of 400–610 kcal per 100 grams). For example, Elite, 75%, from the Babaevsky confectionery concern, has a nutritional value of 540 kcal.

Oil or substitution of concepts

When choosing a dark chocolate bar, be sure to pay attention to the percentage of cocoa butter indicated in the composition. Sometimes this ingredient becomes a reason for minor manipulations on the part of the manufacturer. By and large, it is vegetable fat.

Therefore, instead of cocoa butter, the label may well contain the phrase “vegetable fat.” Another thing is that instead of real cocoa butter, palm oil may be hidden under this concept. This is a cheaper and lower quality product, which significantly reduces the benefits of sweets.

Yes, chocolate products containing various vegetable oils have a right to exist. However, they are not worthy of being called chocolate. This is a regular sweet bar.

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Composition of dark chocolate

Domestic manufacturers make the delicacy in compliance with GOST, which describes all the components and their ratio in the composition. The label contains numbers - percentages indicating the content of cocoa liquor - it should be more than 55%. The higher the indicator, the better the quality, aroma and taste. Composition contains:

• cocoa beans, preferably raw. But more often during production, grains are subjected to fermentation, drying, roasting, and thorough mixing at high temperatures;
• sugar –20–40%.

Dark chocolate contains vitamins, calcium and iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and potassium. It contains carbohydrates, organic acids, monosaccharides, and dietary fiber. Undesirable components are ethyl alcohol, vegetable fats, flavorings. The required ingredients of the product are:

• cocoa butter, the amount of which should be at least half the weight of the bar, the main component is saturated fat;
• lecithin - helps create a homogeneous mass, indicated on the packaging as “E322 emulsifier” (vegetable or soy) or animal “E476 emulsifier”.

Tips for use

Let's consider a few banal rules that will reveal all the healing properties of dark chocolate:

1. Which to choose. It is recommended to give preference to a product with a cocoa content of at least 70%. The composition also allows the presence of cocoa butter, sugar and milk. The presence of artificial fats, dyes, preservatives and sweeteners is unacceptable.
2. How to store . Chocolate can be stored at room temperature (up to 15-20 °C) in a place protected from water and sunlight.
3. As much as possible per day . You are allowed to take no more than 40-50 grams of chocolate per day. Children from 7 to 14 years old - up to 15-20 grams, 15-17 years old - 30-40 grams.
4. When is the best time to eat ? The product is recommended to be consumed after a large meal or a small snack. Taking on an empty stomach or after a long fast (6 or more hours) is not advisable.
5. What can you eat with ? Chocolate can be consumed with any food. It is preferable to drink each slice with hot tea or milk.

Banal rules allow you to preserve and reveal all the biological properties of chocolate.

How to choose dark chocolate

To avoid counterfeits, you need to pay attention to a number of parameters when purchasing. How to choose the right dark chocolate? If the delicacy is sold by weight, the tile should crack and crumble when broken. Pay attention to the appearance:

• the color of the product should be dark brown - light indicates the addition of soy;
• surface smooth, glossy;
• there is no white coating - a sign of improper storage.

For factory-made chocolate, the characteristics are written on the packaging. GOST R 52821-2007 should be mentioned - compliance with state standards. A high-quality product contains a minimum of unnecessary components. The following must be indicated on the chocolate bar wrapper:

• high amount of cocoa in grated form - more than 70%;
• soy lecithin – “emulsifier E322”;
• cocoa butter – not less than 33%.

Variety of dark chocolate

Dark chocolate can be divided according to consistency:

• monolithic, prepared in the form of a single tile, without dividing into cubes;
• tiled, prepared in the form of several connected slices, and it is easy to break into even pieces;
• porous, prepared with many people’s favorite “bubbles”, its texture is more airy and soft.

By amount of cocoa powder:

• regular dark chocolate contains powder from 40 to 55%, sweeter and softer than bitter chocolate;
• bitter contains over 55% powder and has a bitter taste.

For additional ingredients:

• with nuts;
• pure chocolate without additives.

Cooking technology:

• dessert product;
• ordinary.

Everyone can find out the requirements and classification of goods according to GOST 31721-2012.

Price of dark chocolate

You can buy this bitter delicacy at your nearest store; its cost is low. There are slight differences between brands. How much does dark chocolate cost? Price in rubles:

What is the best dark chocolate in Russia?

Many domestic confectionery factories produce this tasty delicacy. Below is the rating of dark chocolate in Russia, indicating the manufacturer:

• “Loyalty to Quality” – “A Priori” 99%, 610 kcal, no sugar;
• “Russian Chocolate” – Elite bitter porous 70%, 526 kcal;
• “Pobeda” – Bitter 72%, natural sweetener, sugar-free, 460 kcal;
• “Russia” – Gorky 72%, natural vanilla, stabilizer – milk fat, 583 kcal;
• Korkunov 72%, classic, 568 kcal.

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Babaevsky elite bitter chocolate

The Babaevsky confectionery concern has long and successfully produced products of high quality and excellent taste. A chocolate bar Babaevsky Elite 75% has a calorie content of 530 kcal/100 grams and contains proteins, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and fats. The product contains the following ingredients:

• grated cocoa;
• cocoa powder;
• sugar;
• cacao butter;
• animal lecithin E 476;
• Vanilla flavoring;
• A small amount of nuts is acceptable.

Dark chocolate without sugar Pobeda

A distinctive feature of this brand, produced by the Pobeda factory, is the replacement of beet sugar with a vegetable sweetener - stevia, which is indicated on the packaging. This is what it looks like in the photo. Pobeda bitter chocolate 72% has an energy value of 460 kcal and does not contain GMOs. The composition, in addition to proteins, carbohydrates, fats, contains the following ingredients:

• cocoa mass;
• cocoa butter;
• natural prebiotic (inulin);
• cocoa powder;
• emulsifier (lecithin);
• flavoring (vanillin);
• natural sweetener stevia.

Dark chocolate Red October

Russian production, engaged in the production of chocolate products since the 19th century, is famous for its excellent quality. Chocolate factory Red October 80% has a calorie content of 550 kcal, prepared according to specifications 9125-003-51938624. The composition contains more protein than other brands. The content of cocoa products is high, but cocoa powder is in 3rd place on the list. There is more of it than cocoa butter, which is not a good option. The composition of chocolate, in addition to the necessary components, contains:

• soy lecithin;
• vanilla flavoring.

How to make dark chocolate at home

Do you want to please your loved ones with a dark chocolate treat? Make it according to your home recipe. The ingredients can be ordered and purchased in the online store at an affordable price. You will need 100 grams of cocoa beans and cocoa butter, 3 tablespoons of honey. Nuts, raisins, and vanilla can be used as additives. To prepare chocolate you should:

• grind cocoa beans with a coffee grinder;
• melt cocoa butter in a water bath;
• mix, add additives;
• cool, add honey;
• put into molds;
• cool in the cold.

There is a more affordable recipe for homemade dark chocolate, which contains the following ingredients: 50 grams of butter, 100 g of cocoa powder, a teaspoon of sugar. The delicacy is prepared in the following sequence:

• butter is cut into pieces;
• melted in a water bath;
• cocoa powder is mixed in;
• sugar is added;
• the mass is poured into a mold covered with cling film;
• exposed to the cold.

Lecithin: to be afraid of it or not?

Many chocolate products contain lecithin. But even if you find it in your favorite bar or candy, don’t panic. This emulsifier is used to give chocolate homogeneity.

It is thanks to him that there are no lumps or films on the chocolate bar. The result is a chocolate bar of a beautiful, uniform color.

In short, if you want to buy really good dark chocolate, pay attention to the fine print on the label. Read the composition. See if there is a GOST mark on the wrapper or not.

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Dark chocolate is the most “ancient” of the types of this amazing delicacy. The Aztecs, Mayans and other Native Americans consumed dark chocolate as a special drink. And since instead of sugar, the Indians added chili peppers and other spices to the already bitter chocolate, its taste was very different from what we are used to today.

By the way, only a select few had the right to drink “chocolatl” - both in America and in Europe, where the magic grains were first brought by Christopher Columbus.

But at that time, dark chocolate was ignored - the traveler brought too many other treasures to pay attention to any grains. But 20 years later, thanks to Hernan Cortes, the Spaniards appreciated divinely dark chocolate. In Spain, they quickly learned to improve the taste of chocolate with cinnamon, cane sugar, nutmeg and...to cherish the recipe for making chocolate like the apple of their eye.

Therefore, the world (and primarily France) learned about bittersweet chocolate much later, after the marriage of Louis XIV to the Spanish Infanta Maria Theresa. A daily cup of aromatic drink helped the young queen get rid of homesickness. Soon, dark chocolate came into fashion and became an important and very expensive attribute of the aristocracy.

And in the 19th century, dark chocolate acquired the familiar bar shape. Other types of dessert appeared - white and milk.

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Harm of dark chocolate

A delicacy with excellent taste and nutritional properties, it is not useful for everyone, especially in large quantities. Why is dark chocolate harmful? The reason lies in the components:

• sugar increases the acidity of the body, disrupts digestion and metabolic processes;
• carbohydrates are stored as fat;
• Digestion of the product requires a large amount of enzymes, which causes problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• caffeine leads to stimulation of the nervous system, sleep disturbances, and heartburn.

This tasty and healthy product, if consumed in moderation, can cause metabolic disorders. Substances in chocolate cause the appearance of oxalate stones in the kidneys and an increase in the amount of urine. The product has the following contraindications for use:

• violation of metabolic processes;
• allergy to components;
• problems with high blood pressure;
• obesity;
• urolithiasis disease;
• gout;
• joint diseases;
• suffered a stroke, heart attack.