In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can dark chocolate cause constipation? ” with an
in-depth analysis of the consumption of the different types of chocolate. Moreover, we will also discuss the effects of chocolate on health.
Can dark chocolate cause constipation?
No, eating dark chocolate can not cause constipation. There is no scientific evidence that says eating dark chocolate can cause constipation. Some people have complained that they had great difficulty going to the toilet after eating dark chocolates. Other components present in dark chocolate can be responsible for causing constipation in some individuals.
What components of chocolate can cause constipation?
Chocolates contain a handful of milk, which can be responsible for causing constipation in some individuals. Dark chocolates contain some amount of caffeine too which consequently causes dehydration after consumption. Due to dehydration stools become too dry and difficult to pass.
What is the role of dark chocolate in our diet?
Dark chocolates can be useful for your health when they are consumed in a balanced quantity. Dark chocolate has a higher amount of fat, but it also has higher amounts of protein and fiber, and less sugar and other additives. Dark chocolate is generally consumed by individuals in much smaller quantities than other regular types of chocolate due to its rich flavor.
Fiber
Chocolates have a reasonable amount of fiber present in them. Around 100 grams of dark chocolate, with 70% cocoa have 10 grams of fiber content found in them. It is much more than what some vegetables provide.
Carbohydrates
A 100 grams of dark chocolate having 70 to 80% cocoa content has about 36 grams of carbohydrates present in it.
Sugar
Dark chocolates have much less quantity of sugar present in them as compared to other types of chocolate bars. Around 100 grams of dark chocolate has 29 grams of sugar present in it, which is way less than milk chocolate.
Protein
Dark chocolates have higher protein content found in them than other types of chocolates. 100 grams of dark chocolate has around 9.1 grams of protein content in it.
Energy
A 100 grams of dark chocolate has 580 kcal (kilocalories) of energy present in it. Dark chocolates are known to give pre, post, and mid-workout energy when consumed. Its nutrients can enhance your muscle health effectively.
Saturates
Around 100 grams of dark chocolate has at least 25 grams of saturated fats present in it.
What are the health benefits of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolates have a high amount of nutrients that can be proven beneficial to your health. Following are some of the health benefits you can gain by consuming a balanced amount of dark chocolate:
Rich in antioxidants
It is considered rich in antioxidants because it is made from cocoa tree seeds. It is loaded with organic compounds. Antioxidants present in dark chocolate can fight against free radicals and help in reducing oxidative stress.
Improve Heart health
Studies prove that eating dark chocolate can reduce the risk of cardiac disorders. Consuming dark chocolate can mildly boost blood flow and mildly reduce blood pressure.
Improve skin condition
Consuming dark chocolate can improve blood flow towards the skin and can be proved beneficial in protecting your skin from the sun.
Boost brain functionality
It is also known to boost brain functionality by increasing blood flow. Studies show that dark chocolate can positively impact mental health and Mood. Eating dark chocolate can also help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Reduce weight loss
Eating dark chocolate can help in reducing weight by decreasing your hunger and appetite. Dark chocolates are beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity. Eating 48 grams of 70% dark chocolate each day may help lower fasting glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance.
Lower cholesterol
Dark chocolate contains some compounds that can help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein and increase levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the body. High-density lipoprotein is regarded as good cholesterol by doctors.
What is the difference between milk, and dark and white chocolate?
Following are the major differences between milk, dark and white chocolate:
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate consists of 45% cocoa content (dry matter), dark chocolate has no less than 26 % cocoa butter and they are known to have 14% nonfat cocoa solids.
Milk chocolate
Milk chocolate comprises at least 25% to 30% percent of cocoa which is comparatively less than dark chocolate.
White chocolate
White chocolate does not have cocoa although it does generally contain 20% cocoa butter and around 14% powder milk is used in it.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can dark chocolate cause constipation? ” with an in-depth analysis of the consumption of the different types of chocolate. Moreover, we have also discussed the effects of chocolate on health.