Many sweet tooths are convinced that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is an exclusively healthy product. We will not argue with this opinion, but will simply highlight the main pros and cons of dark and white chocolate. Here are 8 facts from biochemist and virologist Evgeny Kulikov.
1. Chocolate is divided into two categories – dark and light. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa beans it contains, and therefore, more biologically active substances: natural antioxidants flavanols and psychoactive alkaloids that help improve mood.
White chocolate contains almost no flavanols or alkaloids.
2. Many people consider dark chocolate to be beneficial due to its serotonin content, known as the “happiness hormone,” valuable cocoa butter, and antioxidants. However, it is important to remember that chocolate is one of the most calorie-dense foods, primarily consisting of fats and sugars, and one bar can contain up to half of the daily calorie intake!
3. Alkaloids that help improve mood are contraindicated for people with metabolic disorders such as gout and kidney stones. For such individuals, white chocolate would be a more suitable option: it contains no alkaloids, but also lacks beneficial antioxidants.
4. The psycho-stimulating effect of dark chocolate has long been proven, and for some people, it may lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and enhance performance.
6. From a medical and biological standpoint, for pleasure and physiological effect, the optimal choice would be dark chocolate with minimal sugar content and maximum cocoa content (55% - 75%). White chocolate, which is a mixture of cocoa butter, milk, and sugar, is completely useless, although many people enjoy it.
7. Various bars and chocolate coatings are simply a sugary-fat “fuel” mixture containing many empty calories without any beneficial nutrients.
8. Due to the biochemical peculiarities of domestic cats and dogs, even a small piece of any chocolate can cause serious poisoning in pets from the alkaloid theobromine.
Comparing dark and white chocolate, conclusions can be drawn.
Thus, dark chocolate can indeed be considered a mood enhancer; it also positively affects health, but it should be consumed in moderation and not shared as “happiness” with your beloved cat. White chocolate, although useless, can sometimes be indulged in small amounts. However, various chocolate bars are best avoided – they provide nothing but extra calories and cavities.
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