What are the positive effects of eating chocolate?
The introduction
A tale suggests that the term cocoa is derived from the idea that it was considered the food of the gods.
However, this food of the gods has now become available to all. Cocoa, or the cocoa fruit, is a plant that yields a small, brown fruit from which we extract a powder that is distributed globally. This powder is a key ingredient in producing numerous health and nutritional items, with chocolate and a variety of tasty beverages being among the most popular. Chocolate is a global favorite, with its shapes and containers varying widely. The process of creating chocolate bars, ice cream, or even hot chocolate may seem complex, However, it all begins with the cocoa fruit, which is compact in size and resembles seeds.
Content
- The introduction
- 17 Advantages of consuming chocolate
- What negative effects could result from consuming too much chocolate?
- Which kind of chocolate is good for human health?
- What is the permissible amount of chocolate to eat daily?
- List of chocolate recipes
What are the beneficial impacts of consuming chocolate?
The key advantages of consuming chocolate
- Good for the cardiovascular system Research indicates that dark chocolate aids in improving the flexibility of arteries and stops white blood cells from adhering to the inner linings of blood vessels, which are frequent reasons for blocked arteries.
- Lowers the chance of having a stroke Researchers found that eating chocolate lowered the chance of having a stroke by an average of 17% among the male participants studied.
- High in essential minerals Dark chocolate is packed with important minerals like potassium, zinc, and selenium, and a 100-gram serving offers 67% of the allowed and suggested daily intake of iron.
- Lower cholesterol levels Eating chocolate has been shown to lower the amount of bad cholesterol and increase the amount of good cholesterol. Therefore, it decreases the chance of heart disease.
- Good for the skin The flavonols present in dark chocolate shield the skin from damaging UV rays, however, this doesn’t stop someone from applying sunscreen lotions.
- Aids in weight reduction Did you know? Consuming a tiny bit of high-quality chocolate on the palate twenty minutes prior to eating triggers certain chemicals in the brain, which signal satiety and assist in shedding pounds.
- Beneficial for Mothers and Infants Research supports the idea that eating chocolate during pregnancy can lower stress levels in expectant mothers and that their babies tend to smile more frequently compared to babies of mothers who don’t consume chocolate.
- Lowering resistance to insulin Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, seems to lower the risk of insulin resistance due to its flavonoid content. This could help lower the chances of developing diabetes in the future. Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells don’t react to insulin, making it hard for glucose to get into them from the bloodstream, which results in blood sugar levels going beyond the normal range. It’s important to mention that these advantages are specific to dark chocolate, but only when it’s eaten in reasonable amounts. Research has shown that consuming 48 grams of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa daily can help reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels when fasting.
- Enhancing sports performance A key advantage of chocolate for bodybuilders and athletes overall is its ability to lower the amount of oxygen used during physical activity, boosting athletes’ effectiveness and enhancing their results. This is achieved by increasing the creation of nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels thanks to epicatechin, a specific flavanol present in chocolate, particularly in dark chocolate.
- Boost happiness Chocolate is rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which enhances happiness, and a sense of contentment, and lowers stress levels. It plays a part in the creation of serotonin in the brain, a hormone associated with joy. The sugars in chocolate help facilitate the movement of tryptophan into the brain. The advantages of chocolate for depression are also seen in its ability to alleviate symptoms and uplift mood, although it’s important to note that it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for recommended medications.
- Boosting the Immune System Consuming chocolate every day can help in boosting the immune system. Dark chocolate has been shown to enhance the function of T cells, a kind of white blood cell that aids in combating infections.
- Aid in the prevention of cancer Research involving animals has shown that a cocoa-rich diet may offer some protection against intestinal cancer. Nevertheless, it is important to note that findings from laboratory studies cannot definitively prove that cocoa consumption can prevent cancer in humans.
Boost mental well-being Consuming chocolate every day could aid in boosting mental well-being and increasing the flow of blood to the brain. The advantages of chocolate for mental health are as follows:
- Boosting mental abilities, like learning and memory retention.
- Improving focus is due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate.
- Enhancing the condition and performance of nerve cells, thereby improving their interaction.
- Lowering damage to nerve cells in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and slowing the rate of mental deterioration.
What negative consequences might excessive chocolate consumption have?
Here are some potential consequences of consuming an excessive amount of chocolate:
- 1. Overindulging in chocolate can lead to weight gain as it is rich in calories due to its fat and sugar content.
- 2. The high sugar content in chocolate can contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay.
- For individuals prone to migraines, consuming chocolate may intensify symptoms due to the presence of tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine in cocoa.
Which kind of chocolate is good for human health?
Not all varieties of chocolate are rich in flavanols, a type of flavonoids that naturally give cocoa a robust, bitter taste. This flavor diminishes as more of these compounds are lost during cocoa processing and chocolate production stages like fermentation and roasting. Many chocolates available in the market undergo extensive processing, and while some manufacturers make efforts to retain flavanols during production, it is currently advisable to opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate, particularly those with added fats and sugars. It is important to highlight that milk chocolate does not offer the same advantages as dark chocolate. Studies involving 12 healthy individuals revealed that the absorption of polyphenols decreased when consuming dark chocolate with milk or milk chocolate, thereby reducing antioxidant activity in the bloodstream compared to consuming dark chocolate alone. White chocolate, on the other hand, lacks flavanols. When purchasing dark chocolate, it is recommended to consider several factors, such as selecting varieties with a minimum of 60% cocoa content. The cocoa percentage in dark chocolate products typically ranges from 60-80% or higher, with health benefits increasing as the cocoa content rises. Opt for options without hidden ingredients like added sugars, oils, and artificial flavors, and it is advisable to review the product ingredients for verification.
What is the allowable daily intake of chocolate?
Nutrition authorities have established the daily consumption limit of chocolate to avoid negative health effects. They recommend that consuming a daily amount of dark chocolate, specifically half a piece or 20 grams, will not pose a health risk.
List of chocolate recipes
Chocolate drink with caramel sauce
Vanilla Cookie Recipe with Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Cookie Recipe with Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Sauce for Cake & Dessert Decoration
Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread Recipe (Nutella)
