Research on chocolate have shown many health benefits. For close to half a decade chocolate lovers have been told to avoid chocolate, but as we more in-depth research on the everyday foods we eat, we realize that we were misled about the health risks to reward ratio concerning chocolate.
First the main component in chocolate is cocoa. It contains Phytochemicals called flavonoids which is also found in red wine, green tea, and fruits and vegetables. Flavanoids contain antioxidants. They are beneficial in blocking arterial damage caused by free radicals.
In addition, Flavonoids are associated with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Chocolate contains stearic acid, which does not raise bad cholesterol. A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association also shows that dark chocolate may have the potential to lower your blood pressure and improve insulin resistance.
Chocolate also contains Tryptophan. Trytophan is a chemical the brain uses to produce serotonin. Serotonin is proven to be an anti-depressant, It also generates feelings of ecstasy or love. It not only benefits you physically, but mentally as well. Some other substances, such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, have a stimulating effect.
Chocolate only contains small amounts of caffeine. A cup of decaffeinated coffee actually contains more caffeine than the average serving of chocolate. Although the misconception might stem from a commonly used combination of coffee or espresso beans with chocolate foods and drinks.
Reearch proves that candy eaters live almost a year longer than those who don't. Similarly, a Harvard University studyon health benefit of chocolate found that men who ate chocolate live longer than those who didn’t. Dark chocolate, with higher cocoa to sugar ratio may assist in preventing tooth decay. It can lead to fewer cavities as well as a potential to whiter teeth. Milk chocolate prevents tooth decay as well due to the combination of phosphate and other minerals in its structure.
Chocolate is a good source of carbohydrates as well It is an excellent source of quick energy and a fighter of fatigue. However, pediatricians are saying that there is no link between the sugars found in chocolate and restlessness or attention-deficit-hyperactivity type disorders (ADHD) found in children.
Perhaps the leading misbelief about chocolate is; it causes acne. According to a University of Pennsylvania’s 1969 study of 65 acne sufferers. All were instructed to eat large amounts of chocolate. forty six of the sixty five showed no change in their condition. Ten even got better. Nine got worse. The results show no direct correlation between consuming chocolate and acne.
In Oakland, California at Children's Hospital & Research Center, researchers have discovered that the same chocolate for children have the same flavonoids associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease can limit the production of fluids that cause diarrhea. Young children under the age of five and senior citizens are the most likely to be dehydrated due to health related problems.
Chocolate contains cannabinoids. These are chemicals that have a similar affect as marijuana. A person would have to eat nearly 25 pounds of chocolate in one sitting to get “high.”
Lastly, cocoa contains many vitamins including vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, and contains the highest natural source for Magnesium. A lack of magnesium in diet has been linked to joint problems, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and pre-menstrual tension, PMT or PMS. These are just more reasons to increase your chocolate intake.
tags: health benefit of chocolate, chocolate for children, cocoa, Dark chocolate, chocolate and acne, chocolate
