Each year, we eat just over 6.5 kilos of chocolate per capita. Compared to our European neighbors, this is not huge since we only occupy 8th place in the ranking of chocolate eaters. Far ahead of us, we find the Swiss, of course, closely followed by the Germans: they eat about 12 kg each per year, twice as much as we do.
At Easter, the French will eat an average of 15,000 tonnes of eggs, rabbits and other chocolate treats. A pleasure to which one can give in to too much guilt because, as explained by Nathalie Négro, head of the Nutritional Center for Baths of Flanges–the–Baths, studies of nutritional homemade chocolate recipes on the benefits of chocolate continue to be refined and show that it isConsumed regularly (several times a week) and in moderate quantities, chocolate has many virtues.
“Chocolate reduced the risks of type 2 diabetes and cardio and cerebrovascular diseases” explains the nutritionist. How? ‘Or’ What ? “It contains antioxidant compounds that improve the flexibility of the arteries, thereby reducing blood pressure. Similarly, the fatty acids contained in cocoa butter help to lower the rate of “bad” cholesterol. Finally, its glycemic index (its ability to raise blood sugar levels) is low.
Which chocolate to choose?
“For maximum health effects, dark chocolate is the best choice. The stronger it is in cocoa, the more antioxidants and cocoa butter it contains,” says Nathalie Negro. In addition, dark chocolate, which is more bitter, can make you sick more quickly and, in fact, limit the temptation to eat it in quantity.
But as far as pleasure is concerned, it doesn’t matter: everyone is advised to choose the chocolate they like. Whether white, dark or milk, its energy intake is substantially the same, and is within a range of 500 to 550 Cal/100g.
- Prefer the chocolates which contain only cocoa butter and no other vegetable fats.
- For Easter, buy a single chocolate subject (8-10 cm max) per person or a bag of “frying” and avoid the eggs filled with praline, much more caloric.
- Take the time to taste each piece, at the end of the meal: this avoids eating too much, because hunger does not interfere.
- For the egg hunt, it is advisable to choose small models.the and limit the quantities of 5 or 6 per child.
Discover in infographic all the health benefits of chocolate
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