The Benefits of Chocolate
Whether you’re making low-calorie healthy brownies or not, the good news is that there are plenty of antioxidant compounds. These antioxidant compounds are known as flavanols. Make sure that you explore healthy brownie recipes such as from New Healthy Family.
While too much chocolate can cause health problems including weight gain, eating it in moderation is an option. Cocoa contains phenolic compounds.
Now, studies are happening to show the impact chocolate might have on blood pressure, stress, etc. The higher the cocoa content, the more benefits there can be. That’s why dark chocolate is a healthier option.
Chocolate might:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Prevent cognitive decline
- Lower cholesterol levels
Plenty of Carbs and Proteins
The flour used in brownies has carbohydrates that can give your body energy. Baked goods can contain milk or eggs which are great protein options.
Improved Digestion
Include fruit in your brownies for fiber. Whether it’s bananas, apples, or pineapples is up to you. Another option is to add carrots.
Affordable
Brownies are an affordable option to make. You can even find vendors who will make brownies for you.
Convenient
If you’re not interested in making healthy brownies, you can order them online and have them delivered. Think about the right vendor for the event or get-together. Think about any dietary restrictions for your guests.
All in Moderation
Too much restriction in your diet can cause emotional, physical, or mental problems. Add a brownie to your healthy lifestyle on occasion. That means the traditional type with eggs, milk, sugar, etc.
Healthy Brownie Alternatives
Use healthy ingredients such as oats, black beans, stevia, or maple syrup. Pure vanilla extract is an option as well.
Other healthy options are greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, bananas, or avocado. It’s a great way to sneak in healthy fruit for yourself or your child.
Eating Chocolate Cake
Many studies are showing the promise of chocolate for your brain health and gut. Chocolate pudding is another option as well. When you have sugar in the morning you’re less likely to eat more throughout the day.
One study was completed during 32 weeks with 193 obese patients. One group had a 600 calorie breakfast with chocolate pudding, while the other group had 300 calories. The number of calories they ate in one day was the same.
It was found that the group that ate 600 calories for breakfast had fewer cravings and lost more weight. This is because your metabolism is the most active in the morning.
Dark chocolate has:
- Manganese
- Fiber
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Copper
You can also find selenium, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus in a chocolate bar. Keep in mind that darker chocolate is better since there’s less sugar.
Dangerous Effects
Some chocolate might have cadmium and lead which can lead to health problems. One study tested 30 dark, milk, and white chocolate products.
While dark chocolate had the highest numbers of cadmium and lead, the levels were below the maximum limit. Some of the samples had higher than safe levels of lead.
Lead can cause developmental problems in children. It can lead to anemia and headaches in adults. Cadmium can cause hormone disruption and damage your organs. This contamination might be from the wrapping around the chocolate or the raw materials in the manufacturing process.
Dark Chocolate
One study from Syracuse University finds that chocolate can lead to better cognitive functions. Chocolate can have a positive impact on memory, energy levels, etc.
It’s believed that flavanols are why chocolate has cognitive benefits. In the study, it was found that those who ate chocolate did better on tests. It’s similar to music on your brain.
Weight Loss
If you keep chocolate as part of your diet in moderation, it can help with weight loss. This is because it can control your appetite, stabilize your blood sugar, and reduce cravings. It can also help to improve your mood.
Dark chocolate can help to increase circulation and lower your blood pressure. This is due to the flavonoids which help to prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Natural Cocoa
Instead of a traditional chocolate cake or brownie, you can make it healthier by reducing the sugar and choosing almond flour. Stick to small portions of chocolate cake.
Choose cocoa extracts for the highest benefits instead of a piece of chocolate cake. Chocolate cake can be loaded with different ingredients that can cause weight gain and other health problems.
Where Is Chocolate Most Popular?
More than 3 million tons of cocoa beans are eaten around the world. Most chocolate is eaten in the United States and Europe.
Chocolate comes from the Theobroma cacao which is a tropical tree. They’re found naturally in the Orinoco and Amazon rivers in South America.
Answering the Question to, is eating Brownies Healthy?
Now that you’ve explored this guide you should be able to answer, is eating brownies healthy? Take your time choosing the right recipe for you and your family.
Would you like to read more informative and actionable content? We can help!
Check out our other articles today! From informative guides to how-tos, we have you covered.
Leave a Reply