The Truth About Chocolate And Digestion

By Catalina Nielsen


People all over the world love eating chocolates but not many are aware that there can be significant health benefits gained from eating them. Looking into the question of chocolate and digestion, it becomes obvious that the ingredients used in the manufacture of the chocolates have a large part to play. Many producers manufacturing chocolates today take health considerations very seriously. Dark organic chocolate has by far the most significant health and digestive benefits.

Organic ingredients only earn their certification if they are grown without resorting to use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Cocoa beans are mostly grown in tropical climates like West Africa, where conditions are humid and rainfall is regular. The more cocoa mass contained in a product, the greater the health benefits.

The beans contain high levels of antioxidants that absorb free radicals, preventing cell and tissue damage. They promote the health of the heart, helping prevent cardiovascular disease. Of course they also contain feel good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. It is no wonder that people say eating chocolates makes them feel better.

They are also rich in many such as vitamins A, B1, C and E. That play an important part in keeping the body healthy. Minerals such as copper, zinc, iron and potassium are also found and are vital for proper brain function, promoting cell growth, issue repair and absorption of nutrients.

The percentage of cocoa contained in a product is found on the wrapper. The higher the percentage, the better the health benefits. It is the other ingredients used in chocolates that cause all the problems, such as fillers high in calories and large quantities of sugar. Many manufacturers are turning to unrefined cane sugar or not using sugar at all in their products. However, taste is also important and in order to deal with the bitterness, other ingredients like fruits and vanilla may be added.

Sugar is added to many products and this can be a problem for those trying to lose weight and for those who prefer not to eat sugar at all. Other products such as unrefined cane sugar is being used increasingly by manufacturers. Vanilla, fruit, nuts and herbs are also being added to improve the bitter flavor of the cocoa. These products often have a subtle intensity of flavor that people grow to prefer to chocolates that are too sweet.

Another group of individuals who have to take extreme care with what they eat are those who suffer from digestive conditions. These conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease can be aggravated by eating chocolates. Someone who is sensitive to caffeine also needs to be aware that a certain amount of caffeine is found in these beans. Those with food allergies are another group that need to be wary of ingredients like nuts that may be contained in these products.

For someone with none of these problems, there is no question that the dietary fiber found in cocoa beans is beneficial to the digestive process. With the issues regarding chocolate and digestion being raised, more manufacturers are carefully choosing the ingredients they use. Many of the healthiest products are available from online stores.




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