Who can say no the chocolate? Its a delicious treat that many enjoy and indulge in but have you ever wondered how it came to be? Chocolate originates from the cocoa plant, specifically from the cacao beans. The beans are harvested, dried, and roasted until they develop their chocolate flavor before they are cracked into smaller pieces and ground into a paste.
Sugar or other ingredients are then added to make it sweeter and more palatable before it is molded into its shape. Different types of chocolate have different flavour profiles and also health benefits so read on to find out more.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is the purest form of chocolate available. It’s made from pure cocoa beans with no milk or sugar added to it and tastes bitter with a rich and deep flavour. Due to its lack of sweetness, dark chocolate may not taste very palatable when eaten on its own.
It however contains more antioxidants than any other form of chocolate and has a myriad of health benefits. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress that can damage our cells and tissues in the body. As such studies suggest that it may play a role in cancer prevention, heart health, and potential weight loss.
Milk Chocolate
Milk Chocolate is made by adding milk and sugar to dark chocolate. This makes it sweeter and creamier than dark chocolate, but also less healthy for you.
Milk chocolate however is a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D. For example, it can help you build stronger bones and teeth because it contains calcium and magnesium in the milk chocolate can also reduce stress or anxiety by releasing serotonin into the brain.
White Chocolate
White chocolate is often overlooked as a nutrient-rich food. It contains less fat than regular chocolate and can be eaten in moderation without negative health consequences. With a delicious and rich, smooth taste that most people enjoy, it is made from cocoa butter instead of cocoa solids, giving it a different flavor profile than dark or milk chocolate.
Studies suggest that white chocolate can help to eliminate toxic substance from your body and boosts your immunity. It also improves the flexibility in the movement of white blood cells and thus may help to reduce artery clogging.
Do note however that too much of something is bad for us. Even chocolate. The human body can only handle so much sugar, and we need to keep a balance in order to not put ourselves at risk of diabetes, obesity, or depression. Thus, moderation is key in order for chocolate to have some positive effects on our brain and make us feel happier overall.
