Author: Eugenia González.
Science, curiosities and humour to understand why we love chocolate. And discover that, if it's Fair Trade, it will taste even better.
Oh, chocolate. Picking up the bar, feeling the soft touch between your fingers. To break it open and hear that dry sound that promises you a quality chocolate. That rich aroma... And the taste! Whether it's the sweetness of milk chocolate, or the bitter taste of pure chocolate (or any of the thousand other combinations on the market), the sensation of chocolate melting in your mouth is unbeatable.
I recognise that, I love chocolate (in all its forms).
These are some of the ideas I have heard throughout my life:
- My grandmother used to say that there are two types of people: those who love chocolate and say so. And those who love chocolate... but don't want to admit it.
- A friend of mine was telling me that for her there are 4 food groups: pure chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate... and chocolates.
- And my boss, who one day commented that chocolate does not bring happiness. But that's no reason not to eat it whenever you feel like it.
Do you identify with any of the phrases?
And like so many things that are very tasty, it sometimes has a bad reputation: it's fattening, don't eat too much, it has a lot of sugar.
So I decided to look for a few answers on my own to find out if it is a healthy product, which one to choose and how much chocolate we can eat every day.
I tell you everything-everything-everything... so you can decide for yourself. And at the end you will find a very special proposal to enjoy to the fullest.
First, why do we love chocolate so much?
Well, on a chemical level, it is one of the most complex foods in existence. Science has shown that it has more than 300 aromatic compounds (it is as complex as wine).
This complexity makes it an exquisite product that intoxicates all the senses.
After discovering that, I felt much better: how could I resist one of the most complex products ever discovered by science?
Secondly, why does eating chocolate make you feel so good?
It's happened to you, hasn't it? You're having a bad day, you need a hug... and you end up eating chocolate. Or you're bored (or sad, or tired...) and it seems that chocolate will solve all your ills.
As it turns out, yes, choco is capable of solving much of that discomfort.
How does it do this? Chocolate contains tryptophan, a precursor of serotonin. So when you eat chocolate, your brain ends up secreting serotonin (you know, the "happy hormone").
Mystery solved, it's not my imagination. A hug is better, of course, but sometimes a bit of chocolate can have (almost) the same effect.
Is chocolate an aphrodisiac?
Let's see... many studies have tried to prove that chocolate has aphrodisiac effects, but the results have been inconclusive.
There is, however, a very famous experiment that gives food for thought. During the test, the body's response to two stimuli was compared: good chocolate and a passionate kiss.
What happened? The chocolate generated an increase in brain activity and heart rate that was more intense than that of the kiss (!!!). But not only that... it turns out that the effect lasted 4 times longer.
As I said at the beginning, chocolate is unbeatable...
Is chocolate healthy?
Yes, there are many scientific studies to prove it. It contains more than 50 different nutrients that provide important benefits to your body.
- Helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow to organs
- It is rich in natural antioxidants and neutralises the damaging action of free radicals.
- It is rich in flavonoids and this may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Helps to reduce "bad cholesterol
- Stimulates defences and protects the skin
The beneficial substances are in the cocoa. Therefore, the higher the proportion of cocoa, the healthier the product.
Ideally, it should contain a minimum of 70%.
What are the contraindications of chocolate?
I wish I had none. But there are two little things to bear in mind.
- Chocolate is a calorie food. If you are an athlete, dance or do a lot of physical exertion in your daily life, the nutrients and calories make it an ideal food for you.
If you want to lose weight, then your situation is different... But the purer it is, the less fat and sugar it will carry. That's why, again, Ideally, you should consume chocolate with a minimum of 70% of cocoa.
- Cocoa is a tonic product, which gives you energy. It is best avoided before going to sleep.
How much chocolate can I have each day?
Moderation is the key, they say. But I needed some more concrete data. So I kept digging and I found it:
Some health professionals recommend taking 1 to 2 ounces a day. That's about four squares.
So... you know.
CRAVING CHOCOLATE? HERE ARE TWO WAYS TO ENJOY
- Chocolates of origin
If you are looking for pleasure and new flavours, I suggest we discover chocolates of origin.
Origin means that it has been grown in a specific area of the planet. The climate, the fertility of the soil, the place and time of harvest... these are all elements that will give a unique taste, aroma and texture to the product, so discovering chocolates of origin is a little adventure you might want to take.
On the AlterNativa3 website you will find chocolates with origin Ecuador, Peru...
- Superfood Chocolates
This is a healthy and delicious option that combines the beneficial substances of cocoa with the intense and surprising flavours of SuperFoods.
AlterNativa3 offers you delicious blends: pure cacao with maca and ginger, pure cocoa with orange and cinnamon, pure cocoa with chai, chocolate with ginger and lemon...
My favourite? The pure cocoa with chai. It is cocoa with spices. It gives you a very special feeling of warmth and well-being (I prepare it with water and sometimes with vegetable milk). Super tasty.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A CHOCOLATE IS A QUALITY CHOCOLATE?
First of all, it must be environmentally friendly. It is very important that no chemicals have been used in the cultivation or production process. The only healthy chocolate is organic chocolate.
Secondly, it is important that it has been cultivated in a sustainable way. Care for the soil and protection of the ecosystem will give it a more intense flavour, a more delicate aroma and a greater supply of nutrients.
Remember: the more high cocoa contentthe healthier it will be.
All AlterNativa3 chocolates are organic, sustainably grown and have a high cocoa content. They also carry the Fair Trade label.
Why is it so important for chocolate to be Fairtrade?
At home we only eat Fair Trade chocolate. And there is nothing missing, as there are plenty of options, both for us and for the kids.
The reality? If a chocolate is not Fairtrade, it is very likely that a child has been involved in its cultivation. Child labour, slavery and human trafficking are widespread in this crop.
It is a terrible reality, but it is imperative that we talk about it, that we are aware of it. You can contribute to the solution by buying Fair Trade labelled products.
When you choose a Fairtrade product you contribute to:
- The elimination of child labour
- Prosperity in producer communities
- Gender equality
- Environmental protection
Craving for choco?
Choosing a single chocolate is difficult, isn't it?
That's why today I'm not asking you to choose, but to... EXPLORE.
Have you ever done a chocolate tasting?
This is a fun activity to have a good time with your friends, family... or on your own! It consists of tasting chocolate to get to know all its properties, being aware of all the nuances that make it up.
Are you up for it? Here you will find a complete (but very easy) guide to set up a cocoa tasting at home.
https://alternativa3.com/como-hacer-una-cata-de-chocolate/
- 10-11-22
