10 Ways Chocolate Is Actually Good for You
November 6, 2015
Most people like chocolate. For me, this is one food I can survive on!
There is just so much you can do with chocolate. You can have hot cocoa, put some chocolate syrup on your pancakes, have chocolate pudding, soufflés, and truffles, dip your fruit in it, or just have chocolate on its own; the possibilities are endless.
Sadly, many us think chocolate is fattening, or while growing up we heard too much chocolate will give you acne. But as new research is coming forward, most of these myths are being debunked.
The latest research has shown that chocolate is actually good for you in a number of ways.
Chocolate is derived from cocoa beans and these beans are actually very good for you. Ah, another reason to just eat more of your favorite chocolate cake.
Wait, till you read this whole article and fall even more in love with chocolate.
1. Chocolate May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become very common nowadays. Two main reasons behind this are poor diet and stress.
Cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids aid in natural production of nitric oxide in our bodies. This affects the elasticity of our blood vessels; thus, helping in better blood circulation. Our heart and vessels are not stressed by constant cardiovascular activity.
Regular consumption of flavonoid-rich chocolate can help in lowering your blood pressure levels. It is best to buy chocolate which is not over-processed, as processing can lower the natural flavonoid content.
If you want to give this yummy blood pressure remedy a shot, choose “non-alkalized” cocoa drink or cooking chocolate.
2. It Is Good for The Heart
Chocolate is high in saturated fat, but the type of fat found in chocolate does not raise your cholesterol levels.
The predominant natural fatty acids in cocoa butter are actually a good type of fat, which our bodies require to remain healthy.
In fact, a number of cardiologists around the world have started to recommend dark chocolates to their patients. The flavonoids in chocolate help protect against a number of heart diseases, and, as I already mentioned, they improve the elasticity of your blood vessels.
This makes it easier on your heart to pump blood. Dark chocolate is particularly high in flavonoids content.
Relax with Chocolate and Wine
Red wine is healthy too. What happens when you combine chocolate and wine? Health, flavor, and fun! The CUO Chocolate and Wine Tasting Guide will show you how to pair chocolate and wine for amazing experiences of your own or with friends.
3. Chocolate is Brain Food
Chocolate can actually improve your brain function. As recent study published in the magazine of Hypertension states that for eight weeks elderly were given hot chocolate drinks. This had favorable results on their memory.
Chocolate is also anti-inflammatory. Neurosurgeons say that giving chocolate to persons who have had brain surgery show drastic improvement and it helps in bringing the inflammation down.
Finally, we all know chocolate somehow releases stress, and a stressed mind cannot function well. So take care of your mental health, and indulge in a little chocolate every day.
4. It Is Great For The Skin
The fact that chocolate might make you break out is a total myth. Scientists say that there is no clear evidence between chocolate and acne
However, sometimes chocolate is combined with other ingredients that might not be as good. Chocolate, and dark chocolate in particular, appear very low on the glycemic index chart.
In fact, cocoa beans can give you a collagen boost and are considered great skin food. No wonder chocolate facials and spa treatments have become such an in thing. They don’t just smell divine, but also leave your skin smooth and supple.
5. Chocolate Is Also Good For Your Bones
Did you know a small bar of white chocolate can actually provide you one-sixth of your daily recommended value of calcium?
Yes, the sweet delicacy is a dairy product laden with calcium, along with all other nutrients. This is one area where the dark chocolates are of little value. But milk chocolates and creamy white chocolates have the advantage.
Proper intake of calcium improves bone density and protects against osteoporosis.
6. Chocolate Can Help Ward Off PMS
PMS worsens when our bodies are already low on magnesium. Lack of this mineral makes one cranky, lightheaded, and even nauseous.
Cocoa is naturally rich in magnesium. Eating moderate amounts of chocolate helps to elevate one’s mood. Since chocolate also helps relieve stress, women who eat some amount of chocolate may actually have less severe PMS symptoms.
7. It May Shield You Against Cancer
Studies in this field are quite recent, and there is still divided opinion over the subject, but studies in rodents show that consuming cocoa may help prevent colon cancer.
Scientists believe that it may have similar effects on humans. However, it can be safely said that cocoa is rich in antioxidant properties; thus it removes toxicity from your liver and other organs.
Regular flushing out of toxins may prevent cancer cell formation. There are some chocolate bars which are especially rich in anti-oxidant properties. So next time you buy chocolate read the label much more closely for this.
8. Chocolate Works Like An Aphrodisiac
Chocolate has been linked to romance and sex for a long time. It might even increase some people’s need for intimacy.
Although one can stimulate the libido with a number of other ingredients, the nutrients present in chocolate release a special chemical in your brain which very few other ingredients can. This love chemical is phenylethylamine, often referred to as PEA.
Chocolate has been considered an agent for love and bliss since the 18th century.
9. It Helps Chronic Fatigue And Improves Longevity
Chocolate is the perfect food for those who are always feeling lethargic or tired.
Fatigue is interlinked with stress, anxiety, and depression. Some very basic studies have been carried out among chronic fatigue patients. The results showed improvement in their energy levels, and after consuming chocolate in moderate amounts on a daily basis they were relatively in better spirits.
Constant worrying takes a toll on your health and immunity. It also leads to problems such as strokes and type-2 diabetes. Consuming chocolate daily, in moderate amounts, may help prevent these and could be, therefore, a key to a longer and happier life.
10. It Might Help You Keep The Pounds Off
This one is a bit difficult to wrap your head around, but nutritionists have been recommending dark chocolate to those who want to shed a few pounds.
One of the reasons is that it can help keep other cravings at bay. If you consume chocolate in the morning, it will keep you feeling energized for longer. And it will curb your sweet cravings.
Also, keep in mind that a little chocolate isn’t fattening. But you do have to pay attention to the total fats and carbohydrates that you are consuming. Large amounts of these are not going to support your diet.
A study done at the Tel Aviv University even recommended that those who want to lose weight ought to have some chocolate cake in the morning! I'm not so sure about this, but hey that’s what the study says.
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Final Comments
Now remember, too much of anything can be bad for you. The same goes for chocolate.
Always have chocolate in moderate amounts. If you combine chocolate with other ingredients, pay attention to those other ingredients too.
Especially, keep an eye on the sugar content when buying chocolate. Preferably look for varieties with at least 70% cocoa to get all the goodness of the cocoa beans in your chocolate.
- 10 Ways Chocolate Is Actually Good for You - November 6, 2015