It is a food that offers many benefits, such as fiber and antioxidants. Where each of its nutrients is essential to contribute to good health. It is for this reason that we want to tell you about the world chocolate day 2021 and the benefits of its consumption.
Where does chocolate day come from?
Celebrating chocolate day 2021 is something that is done on the day September 13th. Chocolate day is a date that was chosen as a tribute to two people who were true lovers of chocolate. One of these people was Roald Dahl, known as the famous British author of the other Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Novel that a few years later Tim Burton took to the cinema with Johnny Depp as its protagonist.
Talking about chocolate day implies knowing that for the Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery, based in France, the date on which the celebration should be held should be July 7. Referring then to the arrival of cocoa to Europe and America in the year 1550.
On Chocolate Day 2021, it is necessary to know that it was the people from the Amazon who learned to properly process cocoa beans. Something that happened much more than 3,000 years ago. The Mayans were the first to cultivate cocoa and later the Aztecs improved the processes that allowed them to obtain an aromatic drink with great value.
Chocolate is a product that comes from cocoa, or being more specific from its seeds. Said tree was something quite common for the tropical countries of America, such as Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica. Where Venezuela is considered to be the country that has the most delicious variety of cocoa in the world.
During what was the pre-Columbian era, when the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilizations existed, cocoa beans were used as currency. Its versatility and value were something so daily that many of the artisans, agricultural villages and hunters sold their products in exchange for these seeds. So much so that when the Spanish arrived, the flavor that most caught their attention was that of cocoa beans.
Venezuela was one of the countries where the cocoa drink was considered a common drink among black and indigenous slaves. Especially in the colonial period. However, the way it was taken was quite similar to the procedure for preparing coffee. Since the powder of dried cocoa beans was taken, it was diluted in water, allowed to settle and then consumed.
Although there is currently no country where this food is not consumed, the truth is that by the 19th century, these seeds and chocolate itself were considered a luxury. Reason why in many of the regions it was only consumed, due to smugglers.
What happens on chocolate day?
Enjoying the 2021 Chocolate Day celebration means giving away this candy in a wide variety of presentations. Ideal to enjoy in the company of a group of friends, as a couple or as a family. Without of course forgetting the pleasure of watching children savor a delicious piece of chocolate. Similarly, exhibitions or chocolate fairs are another of the activities that usually take place during this day.
What are the benefits of chocolate?
On World Chocolate Day, it is always good to remember the benefits that this food is capable of offering. However, there are times when this is considered one of the prohibited foods, due to its large amount of calories and sugar. And that is why specialists recommend its intake within a balanced diet. Choosing a chocolate that contains more cocoa within its composition.
It is worth noting on chocolate day, that for a healthy consumption of this food, it is best to choose a variety that contains good quality cocoa. It is advisable, within the framework of healthy diets, to consume this food with a percentage of cocoa that exceeds 70%. It means that one of the best options to enjoy this food in a healthy way is dark chocolate.
Although many varieties are enjoyed on chocolate day, dark chocolate is perfect for those who want to take care of their health. Not only does it contain more cocoa than other varieties, it also has less sugar. Avoiding stuffed products, of course, as these may include low-quality ingredients. Similarly, it is necessary to highlight the most important benefits that chocolate offers.
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Contains antioxidants
For chocolate day it is good to recognize the antioxidants that this delicious treat has. Some of them are polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids. In this way, components like these are of great help to reduce the oxidative damage that cells have suffered. Since it helps to inhibit free radicals, known to be the cause of all the oxidative damage that cells suffer.
Likewise, on chocolate day 2021, it must be borne in mind that due to these effects, it is a food that is recommended as an adjuvant against certain diseases. As in the case of cardiovascular diseases, but it is also ideal for regulating cholesterol levels and for improving hypertension.
Some specialists even recognize that certain of the phenolic components that cocoa has, not only exert antioxidant actions. They also produce antithrombotic effects, improve endothelial function, and lower blood pressure. The latter is done through vasodilation, due to the production of nitric oxide.
Helps keep the heart healthy
Another benefit that should be recognized on World Chocolate Day is the ability of this product to keep the heart healthy. There are several studies that have suggested that chocolate helps prevent the onset of coronary heart disease. Therefore, it could be of great help in preventing certain cardiovascular diseases.
Effects of chocolate like these are due to the fact that its natural butter content has oleic acid. Which is a monounsaturated fat like olive oil and a good source of omega 3. Thus representing a third of the fat found in chocolate. Something that is of great importance to recognize on chocolate day, since it is one of the elements that gives more value to this product.
Natural stimulant
For a celebration such as Chocolate Day 2021, it is good to keep in mind that dark chocolate contains approximately 35 mg of caffeine within its composition. Known to be a stimulant that works to increase alertness, improve attention and also psychomotor performance. In addition to this, it has phenylethylamine, a compound responsible for releasing endorphins in the brain, producing a feeling of well-being.
great for the brain
Another thing that is good to keep in mind on World Chocolate Day is its ability to improve brain function. This is because it helps stimulate blood flow to the brain and heart. An effect that could be of excellent help for the improvement of cognitive functions.
However, this is also an effect attributed to its theobromine content. Which is a natural stimulant with surprising therapeutic effects, being less strong than caffeine.
Helps improve skin health
It is also good to highlight on chocolate day that its antioxidants generate another effect. Apart from reducing oxidative stress, it is of great help to maintain the good health of the skin, making it maintain its hydration. It may even have effects that help prevent sun damage.
In general aspects, the consumption of chocolate could be beneficial to prevent photoaging of the skin. Helping it to regenerate when it is exposed to external agents, as in the case of solar radiation.
fight fatigue
Specialists explain that consuming dark chocolate is of excellent help to improve the actions of neurotransmitters as in the case of serotonin. Known for being in charge of regulating sleep and moods.
Contains essential nutrients
Dark chocolate has essential minerals that help promote good health throughout the body. This kind of food has an interesting nutritional composition which includes the following: 30% fat, 61% carbohydrates, 6% protein, 3% minerals such as magnesium, copper, potassium, among others, vitamins, riboflavin, thiamin and pantothenic acid.
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