Saturday, October 19, 2013

Facts About Chocolate And Digestion

By Catalina Nielsen


People all over the world love eating chocolates but not many are aware that there can be significant health benefits gained from eating them. Looking into the question of chocolate and digestion, it becomes obvious that the ingredients used in the manufacture of the chocolates have a large part to play. Many producers manufacturing chocolates today take health considerations very seriously. Dark organic chocolate has by far the most significant health and digestive benefits.

The use of organic ingredients means that they are cultivated without using pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, ionizing radiation or genetically modified organisms. The cocoa beans usually come from West African countries where the humid tropical climate and regular rainfall are particularly suited to their cultivation. The more cocoa mass found in a product, the more benefits there are for health.

The beans contain high levels of antioxidants that absorb free radicals, preventing cell and tissue damage. They promote the health of the heart, helping prevent cardiovascular disease. Of course they also contain feel good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. It is no wonder that people say eating chocolates makes them feel better.

They are also rich in many such as vitamins A, B1, C and E. That play an important part in keeping the body healthy. Minerals such as copper, zinc, iron and potassium are also found and are vital for proper brain function, promoting cell growth, issue repair and absorption of nutrients.

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 added to many products and this can be a problem for those trying to lose weight and for those who prefer not to eat sugar at all. Other products such as unrefined cane sugar is being used increasingly by manufacturers. Vanilla, fruit, nuts and herbs are also being added to improve the bitter flavor of the cocoa. These products often have a subtle intensity of flavor that people grow to prefer to chocolates that are too sweet.

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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