Hot chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, and the list goes on forever, especially for chocolate lovers but do you really know what these chocolate delicacies can do for your health?
First,we will talk about the positive effects or, in other words, the pros of eating these sweets. Scientific researches have shown and proven that chocolates contain large quantities of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that help us to neutralize some of the harmful chemical reactions occurring as part of our metabolism and during exposure to pollutants. Chocolates are also said to benefit the circulatory system by promoting good blood flow. Some people have even said they noticed a moderate drop in their blood pressure when eating dark chocolate daily.
Eating chocolate helps to make you feel good. It increases brain levels of several chemicals, including mood-altering chemicals, phenylethylalanine and anandamide, which produce a mild, confidence-boosting effect. It also contains tryptophan, a chemical that lifts a person’s mood and theobromine, a stimulant that energizes you. It is also an anti-cancer substance, a brain stimulator, and its prevents cough and diarrhea. These sweets have a good reputation as an aphrodisiac. Some studies have shown the candy also helps slow down the decline of brain functions as people age.
On the other hand, eating too much chocolate causes a person to become overweight or obese. This is one of the reasons why many, especially the women, avoid eating too much of it. Factory-added substances, such as fat and sugar, can have an addictive effect. Another big problem people have when eating the candy is tooth decay, especially with the younger age group, those who eat too much chocolate and have poor oral hygiene. The fermentable sugar present in chocolate has the potential to trigger tooth decay. However, the antioxidants may help to offset the acid-producing potential to a certain extent, while the calcium, phosphate and other minerals present, especially in milk chocolate, may also reduce the harmful effects on teeth.
Eating chocolate as part of a balanced diet can certainly benefit us but it would it is healthier to consume this candy in appropriate quantities or amounts. Savor the bitter sweet chocolate in your mouth and let it melt and fill your tastebuds with its tempting flavors and textures. In terms of the negative effects, everything will be within your control. Just eat enough and you’ll have a healthy chocolate-sweetened life!
