Most people love the taste of chocolates. The good news is that current research reveals that they can actually be good for you. Of course, this is not true of all products and it depends greatly on the ingredients used. Knowing about chocolate and digestion is important in choosing products that are of benefit to your health.
Organic ingredients only earn their certification if they are grown without resorting to use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Cocoa beans are mostly grown in tropical climates like West Africa, where conditions are humid and rainfall is regular. The more cocoa mass contained in a product, the greater the health benefits.
Cocoa beans contain many compounds important for health. Antioxidants found in cocoa are helpful in the fight against cardiovascular diseases because they neutralize the effects of free radicals that destroy cells and tissues. Blood pressure is lowered, blood flow improved, bad cholesterol lowered and plaque build-up on artery walls reduced. They also contain high levels of feel good chemicals like serotonin which is probably why people tend to reach for them when they are feeling low.
Cocoa beans contain many vitamins and minerals that help boost energy levels and keep the immune system functioning at its best. For example, they are an important source of magnesium. Magnesium has many benefits such as helping to maintain a healthy heartbeat as well as contributing to energy production and stabilizing the functioning of other minerals like zinc, iron and potassium.
There are cases in which chocolates are not good for the digestive system. Those containing milk are not good for people who are lactose intolerant. The complex sugar called lactose that is found in milk has to be broken down by a digestive enzyme called lactase. In some people, this does not happen resulting in undigested lactose which in turn causes problems like bloating, cramps and diarrhea. These individuals should buy products containing substitutes for dairy such as coconut milk.
Sugar is another added ingredient that can cause problems. There are manufacturers who use ingredients like unrefined cane sugar while others do not add sugar at all. However, the taste may then be too bitter for many people. Ingredients like organic vanilla, fruits and nuts may also be included to help give flavor and enhance taste. People with food allergies have to be careful that the products they buy do not contain nuts, soy and other ingredients that could cause allergic reactions.
People with digestive conditions like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome should be very careful when it comes to chocolates and should preferably avoid them. However, most people with healthy digestive systems have no problem when it comes to eating chocolates and in fact it helps their digestion. The reason for this is that the dietary fiber in the cocoa mass helps with the digestive process. It stimulates the intestinal movements which helps to keep the walls of the stomach and intestine clean.
When considering chocolate and digestion, it becomes evident that much depends on the health of the person concerned as well as the type of product that is consumed. There are many healthy options available, particularly at online stores. These products are made with the healthiest ingredients possible.
Organic ingredients only earn their certification if they are grown without resorting to use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Cocoa beans are mostly grown in tropical climates like West Africa, where conditions are humid and rainfall is regular. The more cocoa mass contained in a product, the greater the health benefits.
Cocoa beans contain many compounds important for health. Antioxidants found in cocoa are helpful in the fight against cardiovascular diseases because they neutralize the effects of free radicals that destroy cells and tissues. Blood pressure is lowered, blood flow improved, bad cholesterol lowered and plaque build-up on artery walls reduced. They also contain high levels of feel good chemicals like serotonin which is probably why people tend to reach for them when they are feeling low.
Cocoa beans contain many vitamins and minerals that help boost energy levels and keep the immune system functioning at its best. For example, they are an important source of magnesium. Magnesium has many benefits such as helping to maintain a healthy heartbeat as well as contributing to energy production and stabilizing the functioning of other minerals like zinc, iron and potassium.
There are cases in which chocolates are not good for the digestive system. Those containing milk are not good for people who are lactose intolerant. The complex sugar called lactose that is found in milk has to be broken down by a digestive enzyme called lactase. In some people, this does not happen resulting in undigested lactose which in turn causes problems like bloating, cramps and diarrhea. These individuals should buy products containing substitutes for dairy such as coconut milk.
Sugar is another added ingredient that can cause problems. There are manufacturers who use ingredients like unrefined cane sugar while others do not add sugar at all. However, the taste may then be too bitter for many people. Ingredients like organic vanilla, fruits and nuts may also be included to help give flavor and enhance taste. People with food allergies have to be careful that the products they buy do not contain nuts, soy and other ingredients that could cause allergic reactions.
People with digestive conditions like celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome should be very careful when it comes to chocolates and should preferably avoid them. However, most people with healthy digestive systems have no problem when it comes to eating chocolates and in fact it helps their digestion. The reason for this is that the dietary fiber in the cocoa mass helps with the digestive process. It stimulates the intestinal movements which helps to keep the walls of the stomach and intestine clean.
When considering chocolate and digestion, it becomes evident that much depends on the health of the person concerned as well as the type of product that is consumed. There are many healthy options available, particularly at online stores. These products are made with the healthiest ingredients possible.
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