The functions of chocolate are:
1. Chocolate is good for heart health. Polyphenols in chocolate are widely found in cocoa beans, tea, soybeans, red wine, vegetables and fruits. The ingredient that gives chocolate its unique charm is polyphenols. Cocoa beans are particularly high in polyphenols compared to other foods.
Studies have shown that polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin. At a certain concentration, they can reduce platelet activation and transfer the deposition of free radicals on the blood vessel wall, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease.
2. Chocolate enhances immunity. The flavonoids in chocolate can regulate immunity. Modulating immune function through pharmaceutical means has certain risks. Fortunately, chocolate and other foods are safe and delicious, and can improve human immunity.
3. Chocolate lowers blood cholesterol levels. Cocoa butter, which occurs naturally in cocoa beans, gives chocolate its unique smoothness and melt-in-your-mouth properties. Research shows that the stearic acid contained in cocoa butter can lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the oleic acid contained in the monounsaturated fatty acids in chocolate has antioxidant effects. The same substance is found in olive oil.
4. Chocolate is good for protecting teeth. Scientists have found that tannins in cocoa beans can reduce plaque production and help prevent tooth decay. Milk chocolate is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and other minerals. These substances are good for tooth enamel. Chocolate is less likely to cause cavities because it is removed from the mouth more quickly, reducing the time it is in contact with the teeth.
5. Chocolate is an ideal energy and nutritional supplement during exercise and travel. Exercise and travel make you feel good, but they use up a lot of energy in your body. If it is not supplemented in time, it will have adverse effects on the body. People should make sure their meals contain enough carbohydrates when exercising and traveling. Carbohydrates can delay fatigue and help you stay active.
Sports nutrition research shows that before exercise, the energy that chocolate adds to the body can keep the glycogen in the muscles and liver in the fullest state, which is beneficial to improving athletic performance. After exercise, chocolate can promptly replenish the energy consumed by people during exercise, delay fatigue, and help the body recover after exercise.
Extended information:
When to eat chocolate: The answer to eating chocolate before going to bed is whether it is good or bad. Eating a lot of chocolate right before bed is not a good idea. Because just like coffee and strong tea, chocolate also has a stimulating effect, which can make it more difficult for people with poor sleep to fall asleep.
Chocolate is a food that easily releases calories. Eating too much before going to bed will increase blood sugar. If the blood sugar cannot be consumed, it will be converted into fat and stored. However, eating some chocolate before going to bed also has its benefits, which is due to the sexual stimulation of chocolate.
Not only can it produce sexual pleasure and clear up various blockages, but it also contains theobromine and caffeine, which are two important psychostimulant substances. Chocolate can arouse people's physical senses and increase mental excitement. Not only can it make people energetic like coffee and strong tea, but chocolate can also make people more sexy and charming.