How to enjoy chocolate to benefit your health without gaining weight | The State
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and you can watch your weight if you enjoy it without exceeding the servings.
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Alexander Stein / Pixabay
The chocolate is stimulating, energetic and that can promote your health. You can enjoy this delicacy within a healthy diet when you want to maintain or lose weight, the key is in what type of chocolate you consume and the amount.
The healthiest type of chocolate is one that contains more cocoa. Cocoa is rich in plant chemicals called flavonoids that have effects antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Flavonoids can help protect your heart, improve brain responseto the and long term reduce the risk of diabetes.
He dark chocolate has between 50-90% cocoa solidscontains up to 2-3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids than milk chocolate. Some chocolates and other types of candy provide empty calories.
Dark chocolate or dark chocolate is the one that contains less sugar and a greater quantity of cocoa. The 100 percent dark chocolate bar contains no sugar, the more cocoa the more bitter.
The Harvard Nutrition Source recommends opting for 70% dark chocolate or higher (cocoa content) to obtain the highest amount of flavonoids. Dietitian Kelly Plowe advises Well + Good to count the ingredients in chocolate, it should be a short list, cocoa beans must be listed first, cocoa beans, cocoa butter and sugar.
But not all chocolate is equally healthy. The more the cocoa beans are processed, the better they are. choose minimally processed chocolate.
How to consume cocoa without gaining weight
To keep your calorie balance in check, eat a portioned amount. Dark chocolate has 150-170 calories per ounce. One or two small squares a day, the six gram amount is a healthy amount.
Chocolate can be your dessert. Enjoy a small piece after a meal. Let it be melt slowly in your mouth, it will be a more pleasant experience than just chewing and swallowing the chocolate quickly.
Sprinkled on your plates. Add of 1 to 2 tablespoons dark chocolate on oatmeal, yogurt, or fresh fruit and nuts for a healthy and easy snack.
In drinks. Prepare hot chocolate or add in your low calorie shakes.
To prepare the hot chocolate dissolve 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder in 1/4 cup of extra hot water, add 1/2 cup of skim milk and another 1/4 cup of water.
When you have a craving for healthy chocolate ice cream, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa with a large frozen banana.
In moderation you can enjoy chocolate that can make you feel more animated and has protective effects on your health. Flavanols help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which lowers blood pressure and also supports your memory.
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