Eating psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars
The next time you eat a piece of chocolate, you may not have to feel so guilty about it. Despite its bad reputation for causing weight gain, a number of health benefits may be associated with this delicious treat.
Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. Its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica.
After the European discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in the wider world, and its demand exploded.
Chocolate has since become a popular food product that millions enjoy every day, thanks to its unique, rich, and sweet taste.
But what effect does eating chocolate have on our health?
Fast facts on chocolate mushroom chocolates
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Chocolate consumption has long been associated with conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
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psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars is believed to contain high levels of antioxidants.
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Some studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline.
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Chocolate contains a large number of calories.
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People who are seeking to lose or maintain weight should eat chocolate only in moderation.
Benefits of mushroom chocolate bars
Recent research suggests that psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars may have some health benefits.
Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
However, according to a review
of chocolate’s health effects published in the Netherlands Journal of Medicine, it’s not all bad news.
The authors point to the discovery that cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, contains biologically active phenolic compounds.
This has changed people’s views on chocolate, and it has stimulated research into how it might impact aging, and conditions such as oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and atherosclerosis.
mushroom chocolate’s antioxidant potential may have a range of health benefits. The higher the cocoa content, as in dark chocolate, the more benefits there are. Dark chocolate may also contain less fat and sugar, but it is important to check the label.
Eating chocolate may have the following benefits:
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lowering cholesterol levels
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preventing cognitive decline
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reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems
It is important to note that the possible health benefits mentioned below came from single studies. More research is needed to confirm that eating chocolate can really improve people’s health.
In addition, mushroom chocolate bars do not contain only cocoa. The benefits and risks of any other ingredients, such as sugar and fat, need to be considered.
1) Cholesterol
One study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests that chocolate consumption might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol levels, also known as “bad cholesterol.”
The researchers set out to investigate whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols (PS) and cocoa flavanols (CF) have any effect on cholesterol levels.
The authors concluded: “Regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF, as part of a low-fat diet, may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure.”
2) Cognitive function
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.
The researchers found that hot chocolate helped improve blood flow to parts of the brain where it was needed.
Lead author, Farzaneh A. Sorond, said:
“As different areas of the brain need more energy to complete their tasks, they also need greater blood flow. This relationship, called neurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
Results of a lab experiment, published in 2014, indicated that a cocoa extract, called lavado, might reduce or prevent damage
to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This extract could help slow symptoms such as cognitive decline.
Another study, published in 2016 in the journal Appetite, suggests eating chocolate at least once weekly could improve
cognitive function.
3) Heart disease
Research published in The BMJ, suggests that consuming psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third
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Based on their observations, the authors concluded that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.
They call for further experimental studies to confirm whether consuming chocolate is beneficial.
4) Stroke
Canadian scientists, in a study involving 44,489 individuals, found that people who ate one serving of chocolate were 22 percent less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not. Also, those who had about two ounces of chocolate a week were 46 percent less likely to die from a stroke.
A further study, published in the journal Heart in 2015, tracked the impact of diet on the long-term health of 25,000 men and women.
The findings suggested that eating up to 100 grams (g) of chocolate each day may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
5) Fetal growth and development
Eating 30 g (about one ounce) of chocolate every day during pregnancy might benefit fetal growth and development, according to a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA.
6) Athletic performance
Chocolate may help athletes cover more distance while using less oxygen.
Findings published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggest that a little dark chocolate might boost oxygen availability during fitness training.
Researchers who studied cyclists doing time trials in the United Kingdom found that “After eating dark chocolate, the riders used less oxygen when cycling at a moderate pace and also covered more distance in a two-minute flat-out time trial.”
The scientists believe that the success of dark chocolate in this case is that it contains flavonols known as epicatechins, which enhance the release of nitric oxide in the body. Beetroot juice has a similar effect.
Light vs. dark mushroom chocolate bars
Manufacturers of light, or milk, chocolate, claim that their product is better for health because it contains milk, and milk provides protein and calcium. Supporters of dark chocolate point to the higher iron content and levels of antioxidants in their product.
How do the nutrients compare?
Here are some sample nutrient levels in light Trusted Source and dark psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars may lower blood pressure
The flavanols content in chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries. This, in turn, leads to the production of nitric oxide, a compound responsible to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and decreases the blood pressure.
It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
Not only blood pressure cocoa also has properties to cut down the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can help to reduce the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, which is one of the factors responsible for stroke and heart diseases. Two Swedish studies confirmed that consuming 19 to 30 grams of chocolate per day can lower the rate of heart failure. However, the benefits do not increase when people consumed a high amount of chocolate
It may provide relief from inflammation
Chronic and prolonged inflammation in the body can be responsible for several chronic diseases. An easy way to reduce inflammation is by consuming chocolate. Cocoa has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to ward off chronic diseases and keep you healthy. A study also suggests that cocoa can regulate the bacterial composition of the intestine, which can trigger this anti-inflammatory response.
psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars may protect skin from the sun damage
Not only for your health, but chocolate is also good for your skin. The bioactive compound found in chocolate can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and keep your skin hydrated. In fact, the common notion that chocolate causes acne is also incorrect.
It may improve brain function
If you are looking for ways to improve your cognitive function then just make chocolate your best friend. The flavanol content in chocolate has been linked to improving brain function. As per a study carried out on healthy individuals, consuming chocolate for five days in a row can help to improve blood flow to the brain. It might be more beneficial for elderly people dealing with mental impairment. The studies show that cocoa can be beneficial in case of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It may improve mood
We all crave for chocolate when having a bad day and there is a scientific reason behind that. Chocolate regulates the feel-good hormone serotonin and dopamine. These hormones can lift the mood and make you feel energetic. According to a review of eight chocolate studies published in the Journal Nutrition Reviews, eating chocolate can help boost your mood and enhance your cognition, thanks to powerful flavonols in it. It may be also helpful for people suffering from depression.
It may improve symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
Sugar and diabetes do not go well together, but chocolate is different. Studies suggest that having dark chocolate in moderation can help to reduce symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. Some studies have shown that a higher intake of flavonoids can cut down the risk of developing this disease in the first place. Besides, flavanol-rich cocoa can reduce insulin sensitivity, improve blood sugar level and reduce inflammation in diabetic and nondiabetic people.
The healthiest options using psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars
There are 3 different types of chocolate – milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate.
Milk Chocolate- It is the most widely distributed type of chocolate. It contains milk, cocoa and sugar. The percentage of cocoa and milk differs from region to region.
Dark chocolate- Dark chocolate is the closest form to pure cocoa, which tastes slightly bitter. This kind of chocolate is also used for preparing desserts and cakes.
White Chocolate- This kind of chocolate contains a significant amount of milk and added sugar. It only contains cocoa butter, which gives the chocolate bar its white colour.
Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate responsible for all of its potential health benefits. So, out of all dark chocolate is the healthiest type of chocolate because it does not contain sugar and has the highest amount of cocoa.
How much psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars one can eat in a day
Excessive consumption of anything is harmful to health, whether it is veggies or chocolate. One must not eat more than 30 to 60 grams of chocolate in a day. Consuming too much chocolate will increase your daily calorie count leading to weight gain and other issues. A bar of dark chocolate weighing 40 grams contains 190 calories.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of cocoa, and so, in theory, the higher the level of antioxidants there will be in the bar.
However, nutrients vary widely in commercially available chocolate bars, depending on the brand and type you choose. It is best to check the label if you want to be sure of the nutrients.
Unsweetened chocolates and 100-percent cocoa products are available for purchase online, and at some grocery and health food stores.
Risks and precautions when consuming psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars
psychedelic mushroom chocolate bars that is high in sugar can lead to tooth decay if eaten in excess.
Chocolate may have health benefits, but it can have some negative effects, too.
Weight gain: Some studies suggest that chocolate consumption is linked to lower body mass index (BMI) and central body fat. However, chocolate can have a high calorie count due to its sugar and fat content. Anyone who is trying to slim down or maintain their weight should limit their chocolate consumption and check the label of their favorite product.
Sugar content: The high sugar content of most chocolate can also be a cause of tooth decay.
Migraine risk: Some people may experience an increase in migraines when eating chocolate regularly due to cocoa’s tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine content. However, research is mixed.
Bone health: There is some evidence that chocolate might cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis. The results of one study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that older women who consumed chocolate every day had lower bone density
and strength.
Heavy metals: Some cocoa powders, chocolate bars, and cacao nibs may contain high levels of cadmium and lead, which are toxic to the kidneys, bones, and other body tissues.
In 2017, Consumer Lab tested 43 chocolate products and found that nearly all cocoa powders contained more than 0.3 mcg cadmium per serving, the maximum amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
All in all, eating chocolate can have both health benefits and risks. As ever, moderation is key.