Tea and chocolate have health benefits

Tea and chocolate are not only a very tasty combination, especially suitable for cold winter evenings, but both tea and chocolate have many health benefits. Of course, it''s important to choose only the highest quality products from both categories ...

The benefits of tea ...

Tea, especially green tea, is rich in antioxidants, which are extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system, while at the same time stimulating fat burning. Tea consumption is therefore highly recommended for all those who want to get rid of excess weight.

Numerous studies have shown that the antioxidants in tea (as well as in other foods) are even thought to prevent the development of various cancers.

• Tea consumption reduces the risk of developing Parkinson''s and Alzheimer''s diseases.
• Regular tea drinking is also recommended for all patients with type 2 diabetes, as tea is thought to help to metabolise sugar more easily.
• Black tea lowers levels of harmful LDL-cholesterol.

Drinking tea helps to improve concentration and memory.

• Tea increases bone density and consequently reduces the risk of osteoporosis, which women between 50 and 70 years of age are particularly prone to.
• Tea contains on average about three times less caffeine than coffee. This makes it a good alternative for those of you who find that drinking coffee gives you a headache or has a negative effect on your sleep.
• Drinking tea will strengthen your immune system, so it is especially recommended in winter when various viruses are often rampant.

...and the beneficial effects of chocolate:

• Dark chocolate also contains a huge amount of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids, which are also found in tea. Consuming tea and dark chocolate at the same time thus enhances their beneficial effects, which include preventing blood oxidation and having an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Moderate amounts of dark chocolate can help women to alleviate the symptoms of the so-called premenstrual syndrome. Dark chocolate has an effect on the secretion of endorphins, also known as the ''happiness hormone'', and is rich in magnesium, which prevents water retention in the body and relaxes muscles.
• Its positive effect on endorphin production also makes dark chocolate a useful supplement for anyone experiencing depressive or anxious feelings.
• Certain studies have shown that eating chocolate is highly recommended during pregnancy as it is thought to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia, also known as pregnancy toxaemia, which is considered one of the most serious complications during pregnancy. The most common symptoms by which it can be recognised are high blood pressure, water retention in the body and associated swelling, and proteinuria, i.e. the presence of protein in the urine.
• Chocolate also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system; tea and chocolate are thus beneficial in preventing the onset of many heart diseases, including heart attacks.
• A common myth associated with chocolate is that it is responsible for acne, but research has shown that this is really just a myth and has little to do with the facts when it comes to good quality chocolate. In fact, chocolate is said to have an extremely positive effect on the skin, since it contains substances that act as UV filters; the skin''s protection against harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer, is therefore much higher in people who eat high-quality dark chocolate in moderation every day than in those who do not.
• The flavonoids in chocolate also help the brain to function better and to concentrate better when the mind is under more stress.
• Chocolate in moderation can help those who suffer from dizziness and frequent nausea.

Which combination of tea and chocolate to choose?

The combination of tea and chocolate is entirely up to your taste, as good quality chocolate goes well with both fruit teas and the slightly more pronounced flavours of green or, for example, black tea. It can also be interesting to combine your choice of herbal tea with chocolate with fruit pieces added. Tea and chocolate lovers will be pleased to know that there are also tea candies or pralines that combine the subtle flavours of chocolate and tea in harmony, including chocolate-flavoured tea, which is a must-try for any true ''chocoholic''. Indulge in thoughtfully selected tea and chocolate combinations that are also good for your health - and doubly so!