is rich in nutrients.
1) Protein found in chocolate is needed for cell maintenance and repair.
2) With fat; it varies, but generally about 30 percent fat, of which about 50 percent is saturated fat.
3) Vitamin E - a fat-soluble vitamin essential for cell membranes.
4) Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in blood.
5) Copper assists iron metabolism, formation of melanin (in hair and skin) and functioning of the central nervous system.
6) With Sugars, it varies. The itself contains quite a bit of carbohydrates but the majority is starch, soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. A small portion is simple sugar. In the process of making chocolate, sugar is added to provide the sweeten taste. This sugar added is known as complex sugar. This sugar is to be avoided.
7) Antioxidant phytochemicals (such as flavonoids) can be found cocoa beans, which is a main ingredient of chocolate (more so in dark chocolate). It contain more than 600 plant chemicals, including antioxidants, that may protect against heart disease and cancer.
8). Caffeine and theobromine are nervous system stimulants
9) Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are minerals essential for strong bones and teeth.

We all know about the antioxidants in our diet - vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, but hundreds of other antioxidants also occur naturally in foods and beverages. Antioxidants are also found in chocolates. People claim that chocolate has medicinal properties. A claim that is disputable.

So, why is there all this hype over antioxidants? Antioxidants are known to neutralize the effect of free radicals. These are molecules which may harm the cell. Antioxidants help maintain muscle and tissue health. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in chocolate known as flavoniods help prevent chronic diseases, such as cardiovasular.

So there you have it, we know the nutritional values of chocolate. So is alone enough?


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