Our column will today focus on one of those little pleasures that we still doubt if it is beneficial or not for sport: Chocolate. The padel and chocolate compatible?

For all chocolate lovers, we can confirm that this "delicacy" has a lot of good properties for the body. But beware ! Do not rush on the first chocolate bar you find, we are referring to pure chocolate, as dark as possible, one that continues at least 70% cocoa.

Chocolate that isn't pure, with added sugar and milk, has a high glycemic level, and the dreaded saturated fat that should be avoided is making a comeback. Indeed, chocolate in itself is "good" for health, which is not at all, these are all the tricks that manufacturers add, so do not take or as little as possible.

Keeping this in mind, we come back to the benefits of chocolate (without additives) that can be perfectly included in any person's diet. A study from the University of California at San Diego suggests that pure cocoa can increase the body's ability to play sports.

Here are some of the benefits of chocolate, with moderate consumption of course:

  • A natural antidepressant : it promotes the production of serotonin in our brain, which allows us to improve our mood, and to go on the ground with a conquering mind.
  • An antioxidantAntioxidants prevent the action of free radicals in the body (unstable molecules of oxygen), and cell degeneration. Chocolate is one for its content of vitamins, and cocoa minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
  • The skin: for its high content of flavonoids, antioxidants that protect the skin from UV rays.
  • Energy source: this is what we need when we have a tough match or a tournament. padel in sight.
  • Rich in magnesium: source of great nutritional values ​​for athletes, because it contributes to muscle building.
  • Lucidity, and intelligenceChocolate contains anandomina, a compound that activates brain receptors.
  • Strengthens the heart, and contributes to the proper functioning of the arteries.
  • Blood circulation: alkaloids exert a tonic action, and diuretic on the body. So the blood circulation is better, so the muscles are more quickly supplied with oxygen, so you will be less tired, and you will recover faster.
Alexis Dutour

Alexis Dutour is passionate about padel. With his training in communication and marketing, he puts his skills at the service of padel to offer us articles that are always very interesting.

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