Ever since childhood, we have been told that chocolate is bad for health. It has been linked with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, tooth decay and diabetes, which often makes us think twice before having a piece of it. Despite its bad reputation, several health benefits may be associated with this delicious treat.
Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds and is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Varied studies carried out till date vouched for the health benefits of cocoa seeds, which contains biologically active phenolic compounds. We will tell you 8 health benefits of eating chocolate, so next time you can enjoy your treat guilt free.
It is nutritious
Chocolate is highly nutritious, especially the dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. It is loaded with minerals and contains a fair amount of soluble fiber. Dark chocolate is, in fact, one of the best sources of zinc, a nutrient responsible for activating about 300 enzymes in the body and boosting metabolism. Besides, chocolate is also rich in iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus and selenium. But it should be consumed in moderation due to the presence of saturated and monounsaturated fat.
It 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.
It 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 levels and reduce inflammation in diabetic and nondiabetic people.
The healthiest options
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 color.
