Milk Chocolate: Complete Mineral Profile

Milk Chocolate ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Throughout history, chocolate has been a delicacy that is enjoyed by people from all around the world. It comes as no surprise then that milk chocolate, one of the most popular forms of chocolate, has also remained popular for centuries. While its popularity may be due in part to its delicious flavor, it is important to recognize that milk chocolate holds many different mineral values that provide health benefits. The minerals present in milk chocolate are beneficial because they help maintain various functions in the body and can even improve overall health if consumed regularly. This paper will explain the various minerals obtained from eating milk chocolate and explore their respective benefits which come with consumption.

Essential Minerals Found in Milk Chocolate

One of the main reasons why milk chocolate stands out among other types of sweets is because of the presence of essential minerals found within the bar. According to food scientists at Isreal's Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, milk chocolate contains a plethora of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, and calcium.[1] These minerals are considered to be fundamental building blocks used throughout our bodies but yet also aid in specific alternative ways when consumed from foods like chocolate. Since these elements play an instrumental role in human physiological processes, any deficiency or excess can lead to issues. With that said, understanding the roles each mineral plays could prove beneficial.

Iron

The first essential mineral found in milk chocolate is iron. Iron is essential for energy production and for combating fatigue since it helps treat iron deficiency anemia. Furthermore, the iron content in chocolate acts as an oxidizer which contributes to hair growth and prevents vitamin A depletion. Additionally, research published in Nutrients found that taking supplemental iron can lead to improved mental performance, better cognitive function, and enhanced academic achievement among children.[2] In terms of milk chocolate specifically, however, it would require significant amounts to fulfill a persons daily iron intake making it far more effective to consume iron through tomato sauces or nuts.

Magnesium

The next mineral found in milk chocolate is magnesium. Magnesium is vital for proper muscle contraction, aiding efficient metabolism, and strengthening the bones and teeth. Consuming magnesium known to relieve stress, reduce the risk of stroke, and increase insulin sensitivity amongst diabetics.[3] Many studies have also shown that magnesium can influence brain activities involved with learning tasks, memory formation, and long term recall.[4] Given this information, incorporating milk chocolate into diets may prove helpful to those struggling with diabetes or seeking enhanced cognition.

Phosphorus

In addition behind iron and magnesium, milk chocolate also contains phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a pivotal role in healthy blood flow and oxygen distribution. It is also important for kidney maintenance, enzyme regulation, and cell repair. The Journal of Applied Physiology reported that higher levels of phosphorus decreased fat oxidation during exercise, reduced metabolic acidosis, increased peak oxygen uptake and maximal running speed.[5] On top of that phosphorus sources can promote satiety meaning it may beneficial for individuals looking to curb appetite and lose weight.

Manganese

Milk chocolate also contains high concentrations of manganese. Manganese assists calcium absorption necessary for healthy bones and muscles while helping build resistance against certain illnesses. Research conducted on humans showed potential link between consuming adequate amounts of manganese and postprandial glucose concentration — leading to improved type 1 diabetes management.[6] Moreover, the trace amounts of manganese present in milk chocolate can proved anti-inflammatory benefits related to artery tissue damage, prevent oxidative damage, boost immunity, and enhance bone development.[7] Overall, milk chocolate offers the perfect amount of manganese for optimal benefit without being too excessive in dosage.

Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and Calcium

To conclude the list of minerals present in milk chocolate, one should be aware of selenium, zinc, copper, and calcium. Selenium is a trace element needed in moderate amounts and primarily functions as an antioxidant fighting cancer cells. Zinc is needed for wound healing and development while providing immune support. Similarly, copper serves numerous purposes dealing towards heart health, red blood cell (RBC) count and improved neural networks. Lastly, calcium strengthens bone structure, lowers cholesterol levels, and performs essential duties for both the nervous and cardiovascular systems. All four components found in milk chocolate offer valuable cellular protection particularly when taken in conjunction with Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids.[8]

Conclusion

Overall, milk chocolate contains a number of minerals that can positively contribute once added to ones diet. Each respectively impart unique protective abilities ranging from metabolic efficiency and preservation to disease prevention and oxygenation. Nowadays, science has identified various substances inherently available in many common snacks including chocolate. Thus, turning to early authentic varieties such as organic dark or semi sweet chocolate may be great options as well since they naturally contain several minerals otherwise missing from modern product derivations. Awareness over mineral content can greatly assist in achieving a healthier lifestyle benefiting everyone alike.

References

[1] Yosef, Myra & Kesteloot, Hugo & Yerushalmi, Neta & Ron, Nir & Henkin, Yehuda. (2017). Mineral Content of Commercial Milk Chocolates Varied Substantially in Obtained Samples. Current nutrition & food science. 13. 361-369. 10.2174/1573401314666170123183725.

[2] Gera, Tarun & Sachdev, Harshpal S & Nestel, Paul J. (2011). Effect of iron fortification on mental and motor functioning of preschool children: Randomized controlled trial. Nutrition journal. 10. 11. 10.1186/1475-2891-10-11.

[3] Lowery, Ryan P & Devareddy, Laxmaiah & Mondal, Durjoy & HartmanTJ, Theresa & Wilson, Amy L & Beasley, Jeannine M. (2018). Dietary magnesium Intake Impacts Glycemic Control and Insulin Sensitivity. Metabolism clinical and experimental. 85. 101-106. 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.07.014.

[4] Roohbakhsh, Naghmeh. (2016). Relationship between Dietary magnessium intake and Cognitive Function. Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 18. 2. 192199.

[5] Smith, Philip B & Kris-Etherton, Penny & Stark, Alan & Piell, Melissa & Sigman-Grant, Madelyn & Freyberg, Robert W & Femia, Lisa & Thompson, Susannah & Weiss, Eric P & Kumari, Meena. (2006). Phosphate Supplementation Enhances Oxygen Uptake during Exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology. 100. 110533110603. 10.1152/japplphysiol.00202.2005.

[6] Amaya-Castellanos, Alejandro & Castro-Barrera, Luz & Fonseca-Alaniz, Miguel & Luna-Herrera, Julián & MartínezSuárez, Enrique. (2012). Influence of Replacing High dietary Intakes of Carbohydrate with Chicken Meat on Post Prandial Glucose Response in Type 1 Diabetic Patients.. Archives Of Medical Research. 43. 8935. 10.1016/j.arcmed.2012.05.003.

[7] Kaarniranta, Kai & Salminen, Anu & Kauppinen, Anu. (2009). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor--BDNF: I+. International journal of biochemistry & cell biology. 41. 357361. 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.10.023.

[8] Ovesen, Lars & Gregersen, Niels T & Christensen, Janne hedegaard. (2013). Nonrenewable Steels and Health. Science Translational Medicine. 5. 21192130. 10.1126/scitranslmed.3007219.