Dream team ‘coffee and chocolate’
When enjoyed in moderation, coffee and chocolate can offer health benefits. However, it's important to remember that they are not miracle cures for an unhealthy lifestyle.
The best-known and most effective ingredient in coffee is caffeine. From a medical point of view, the stimulant caffeine is categorised as a drug. Caffeine can lead to addiction, but not to the same extent as hard drugs, nicotine or alcohol. Both physical performance and concentration can be increased by the stimulating effect of caffeine on the central nervous system.
Drinks containing caffeine have been enjoyed for centuries. Caffeine is a natural component of coffee but is also found in cocoa beans, so it is also found in chocolate. It is also found in black and green tea leaves, kola nuts, and guarana berries. Caffeine is artificially added to various drinks, such as energy drinks and cosmetics. It is also used in medical applications, such as pain therapy.
Every person reacts differently.
When consumed in moderation, chocolate and coffee can have health-promoting effects. As already discussed, both stimulants contain caffeine and, depending on how they are prepared, can have a high sugar and calorie content. With adverse effects on health. For example, cream and sugar in coffee or milk chocolate with a high sugar and low cocoa content. Excessive consumption can be a factor in weight gain, tooth decay and other health problems. In addition, sensitive people react to the caffeine contained in coffee and chocolate with nervousness, insomnia and inner restlessness.
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and is even associated with a lower risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease and liver cancer. However, digestive problems, increased heart rate and insomnia have also been linked to coffee consumption in some people. As already mentioned, high levels of added sugar in various kinds of creams are also hidden ‘fatteners’.
Individual tolerance
Studies have shown that moderate consumption of coffee and chocolate has no significant adverse effects on most people's health. However, it should be noted that individual tolerance to caffeine can vary greatly. There are healthy alternatives to the stimulants coffee and milk chocolate. Instead of coffee, fresh fruit and orange juice, berry and vegetable smoothies, camomile, peppermint or rooibos tea are recommended. Green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, contains a moderate amount of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee also tastes similar to caffeinated coffee and can be used as a substitute. Milk chocolate can be replaced by dark chocolate with a minimum cocoa content of seventy per cent or more, but above all, it can be replaced with nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds). If necessary, you can also use a natural nut butter made from almonds or peanuts. It is important to note that the latter alternatives should also be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.