Chocolate & its benefit

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🍫 Chocolates - My Favourite 😋 

An informative article on chocolates by

Shubham K Pandey 

(Founder of Illuminate Biology)



Chocolates are sweet foods made from the beans of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). The beans are harvested, fermented, roasted, and processed to create various forms of chocolate.

Enjoy your delicious and informative journey into the world of chocolates!


_Main components:_


1. _Cocoa solids_: Non-fat part of the cacao bean, providing flavor, color, and nutrients.

2. _Cocoa butter_: Fat part of the cacao bean, giving chocolate its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. _Sugar_: Added to balance bitterness and enhance sweetness.

4. _Milk_ (optional): Added to create milk chocolate, providing creaminess and sweetness.


_Chocolate processing:_


1. _Harvesting_: Cacao beans are harvested from the tree.

2. _Fermentation_: Beans are fermented to develop flavor and aroma.

3. _Roasting_: Beans are roasted to enhance flavor.

4. _Winnowing_: Shells are removed, leaving cocoa nibs.

5. _Grinding_: Nibs are ground into a fine paste (chocolate liquor).

6. _Conching_: Liquor is mixed with sugar, milk (if applicable), and other ingredients, then refined and smoothed.

7. _Tempering_: Chocolate is heated and cooled to create a stable crystal structure, giving it a smooth finish.


_Types of chocolate:_


1. _Dark chocolate_: High cocoa content (70%+), less sugar.

2. _Milk chocolate_: Sweeter, creamier, with a lower cocoa content (30%-50%).

3. _White chocolate_: Made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, without cocoa solids.


Here are some benefits of chocolate:


1. _Mood booster_: Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a natural mood elevator.

2. _Antioxidant-rich_: Dark chocolate has high antioxidant levels, protecting against free radicals.

3. _Heart health_: Flavonoids in dark chocolate may lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.

4. _Cognitive function_: Chocolate contains compounds that may improve blood flow to the brain and boost cognitive function.

5. _Stress relief_: Chocolate's tryptophan content helps produce serotonin, reducing stress levels.

6. _Skin and hair benefits_: Flavonoids in chocolate may protect against sun damage and improve blood flow to the skin and hair.

7. _Weight management_: Dark chocolate may help suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness.

8. _Bone health_: Chocolate contains minerals like magnesium and copper, essential for bone health.

9. _Improved digestion_: Chocolate's flavonoids may help regulate bowel movements and improve gut health.

10. _Social benefits_: Sharing chocolate can release oxytocin, promoting social bonding and feelings of love.


Remember, these benefits apply mainly to dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, consumed in moderation due to its high calorie count. Enjoy your chocolate responsibly!

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