There is much talk about the nutritional properties of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, the purest of them all, whose high concentration of cocoa contains enormous antioxidant properties due to the presence of flavonol, a component that prevents, among other things, the formation of clots.

In addition to these qualities, chocolate holds other benefits and virtues in every bite that are worth knowing.

Enjoy the pleasure of its flavor

For this reason and more, at Salud180 we tell you what the 7 “good moments” are when it is advisable to eat a piece of chocolate.

1. When you're in love and well accompanied. Chocolate is one of the most potent and effective natural aphrodisiacs. Research has revealed that a piece of this dark treat doubles heartbeats, mainly in women, and could excite more than a kiss.

2. When you want to feel good. Various studies have confirmed that it is a great ally to lift your spirits, especially during the pre-menstrual phase.

It stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for the overall sense of well-being of the body. Therefore, eating chocolate satisfies the senses, the mind, and the body, both big and small. It has always been considered a natural antidepressant.

3. When you want to lose weight. The caloric contributions of chocolate vary between 490 and 540 Kcal per 100 grams, values that depend on the percentage of milk and butter they contain.

The recommended daily amount is 20 grams a day, which contains around 100 Kcal, a very reasonable figure. Dark chocolate has fewer calories than white or milk chocolate, which are richer in butter and milk.

Scientists from Warwick University (England) have created a chocolate whose caloric contributions are reduced by 50%, replacing sugar and butter with microgranules of orange juice and blueberries. The result: a chocolate bar that is delicious and good for health... and your figure!

4. When you come home after a stressful day. Thanks to tryptophan, an essential amino acid in the human diet, chocolate helps reduce stress and has a calming effect.

Consuming 20 grams of chocolate daily is enough to regain energy, boost physical and mental performance, combat the fatigue caused by work or study, and significantly reduce stress and tension.

5. When you want to stay forever young. The components of chocolate make it a very powerful antioxidant for the body.

Among other substances, chocolate contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium: the perfect mix to provide energy while combating free radicals, responsible for cellular aging.

6. When you want to look beautiful. Beauty therapies with cocoa exist. The polyphenols it contains have slimming properties, and some beauty centers practice reducing and anti-cellulite massages based on chocolate.

All the substances present in cocoa improve microcirculation, enhancing muscle tone and the appearance of the skin, which thanks to these treatments regains all its splendor and softness.

7. And if you're pregnant. Consuming chocolate during pregnancy is linked to the happiness of the baby at birth.

Scientists from Helsinki University (Finland) have discovered that women who eat chocolate during pregnancy have more active, happy, and smiling children. The study also shows that eating it reduces the negative effects of stress and fatigue during pregnancy.

After reading about these virtues and knowing the nutritional properties of chocolate, who can resist a piece?

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