The truth about chocolate

Like-something like it. And even, it seems useful. It already knew the ancient Aztecs, who many centuries ago believed that xocolatl, as they called it, has the ability to "banish fatigue." Not accidentally scientific name plant-bearing seeds of cocoa, - theobrome cacao, which means "food of the gods." However, this was highly valued throughout the ages all ages, gourmet product in the seventies label pasted the main culprit of tooth decay, acne, cholesterol, and extra pounds of weight. This accusation is based sometimes on a completely baseless arguments. Today, experts on nutrition rehabilitated a favorite children's sweets, chocolate voznescya the Olympus useful products. So, is it true that chocolate ... contributes to overexcitation? Yes. Cocoa contains theobromine - a substance belonging to the same group as the caffeine in coffee, though, and having ten times smaller stimuli. That's why some people who eat chocolate at night, you may be insomnia. And the children? Naturally, too. To avoid this, it is important not to eat chocolate in large quantities and do not give it at night for children, especially those who are restless, easily excitable, and who does not fall asleep for a long time. ... Rich in fat? Yes. Suffice it to say that chocolate bar for 50-60% consists of carbohydrates (like sugar and starch) and by 30-35% - from vegetable oils. Hundred grams of bitter (black) chocolate contains about 540 calories, and chocolate milk - 565 calories. But the most calories - 618 calories per 100 grams - is not containing cocoa powder white chocolate, that is, cocoa butter, fatty substance, extracted from cocoa beans through the spin cycle. All this, however, does not mean that chocolate should not be given tolstyachkam and fatty, it is possible, but only in very limited quantities (for example, one square tile). ... Gives energy? Yes, because chocolate is rich in sugar and fats, and also contains magnesium and potassium, two minerals necessary for good functioning of the muscular and nervous systems, as well as small amounts of protein. In dark chocolate there is a small amount of iron: about two milligrams per hundred grams. Consequently, the use of chocolate is very useful to kids, as well as more adult children dealing with any kind of sport: it gives them energy, impeding digestion. ... Increases the formation of cholesterol? None. Chocolate actually contains many fatty acids, but only those that are considered useful, ie do not raise the level of harmful cholesterol (the so-called cholesterol, which is delayed by the excessive accumulation on artery walls, eventually causing heart disease). In fact, fats are divided into saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. The first of them contribute to the accumulation of harmful cholesterol, second, although they are required by the body in case of excessive accumulation can reduce the amount of good cholesterol. Third, in contrast, reduce bad cholesterol without harming the useful (called the polisher of the arteries, because it purifies the blood vessels from excessive deposition of bad cholesterol). ... Cause constipation? None. On the contrary, the chocolate may have a laxative effect, since it contains tannin, a substance that regulates the bowels and stimulates the removal of toxins from the body. That is why it should not be used for an upset stomach. ... Hinders digestion? Yes and no. Chocolate - a product that does not cause any problems with digestion. Therefore, it can be safely included in the diet of the child, of course, provided that you do not give him too much. The only exception is children who suffer from allergies. In this case it is better to wait until the child turns two years, because cocoa may cause allergies and intolerances to chocolate. ... Destroys teeth? None. On the contrary, it seems that cocoa powder has the property prevent the dental caries (tooth enamel fracture), in any case, this research has shown some scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States). Naturally, this applies to the bitter cocoa: sugar is used for making chocolate candies and bars, really bad for your teeth. To avoid exposure, enough to brush your teeth every time after you sing something sweet. Children often prefer the sweet taste of chocolate milk, which among other things, contains a small amount of calcium, a useful substance for building strong bones and teeth. ... Causes a headache? Yes, it's probably because the tannin contained in chocolate (a substance also present in red wine) can cause people headaches. The fact that the tannin - it sosudosuzhayuschee substance, that is, it constricts blood vessels, thus causing a twinge. Naturally, this problem affects mainly adults, not young children. So what if the mother exposed to these attacks, she should choose for themselves white chocolate, which is not causing a headache cocoa, or have only cocoa butter mixed with milk and sugar source: "Nanny" Source: Internet publication "MED + info "to" expert advice "on the site www.medinfo.ru