Sugar Controversy: Amul Dark Chocolate
Revant Himatsinghka, widely known as Food Pharmer on social media, has raised concerns about the high sugar content in Amul Dark Chocolate. According to Himatsinghka, Amul dark chocolate contains 43% added sugar, which is higher than the 39% found in its milk chocolate. This revelation challenges the common perception that dark chocolate is a healthier option.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is often praised for its health benefits due to its high flavanol content. Flavanols are antioxidants that can improve heart health and lower the risk of diabetes. Dark chocolate, made from the seed of the cacao tree, is considered one of the best sources of antioxidants. Studies have shown that it can improve health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Other benefits include:
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- Improving Blood Pressure Levels: Flavonoids in dark chocolate stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure.
- Increasing Good Cholesterol: Dark chocolate consumption can improve important risk factors for heart disease by protecting against high cholesterol levels. It contains flavanol lycopene, which can significantly decrease levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.
- Enhancing Brain Function: Dark chocolate can improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and reduce the risk of progressing to dementia.
The Risks of Excess Sugar
While dark chocolate has health benefits, it can also be high in calories, fat, and added sugar. Excessive sugar consumption poses several health risks:
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- Weight Gain and Obesity: High sugar intake adds calories to the diet, leading to overeating and weight gain. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.
- Cavities: Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth that produce acid, which erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities.
- Fatty Liver Disease: Excess glucose in the blood is converted into fat cells, which accumulate in the liver and can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a life-threatening condition.
- Diabetes: Refined sugar causes blood sugar spikes, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes over time.
Response from Amul
As of now, Amul has not commented on Himatsinghka’s claims. In his social media post, Himatsinghka emphasized the importance of choosing the right type of dark chocolate to avoid excess sugar and highlighted three alternatives that are better than Amul Dark Chocolate.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
