Have you ever thought of eating chocolate to your limits without disturbing your health? well, today I am going to tell you the healthy reasons why you should eat chocolate?
Yes! You heard it right; chocolate comes with a lot of healthy benefits. Some of these benefits are of great importance for you and your overall health.
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao tree(Theobroma), which is native to tropical areas. Scientific studies have shown that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients to even help cardiovascular diseases.
Cacao seeds contain more antioxidants than green tea or grape wine. Chocolate bars with low percentages have more added sugar contents and unhealthy fats. But always keep balance in eating chocolate and choose a bar that contains 70% cacao or more.
Table of Content
Types of Chocolates:
Three different types of chocolates are most common around the world.
- Milk Choclate
- Dark Choclate
- White Choclate
White Chocolate:
This type of chocolate contains only one ingredient from cacao seeds, .i.e. Cocoa butter which gives the chocolate bar its white color. White chocolate is packed with a significant amount of sugar and milk. It is the least healthier option to fulfill your chocolate desires.
Dark Chocolate:
The most healthier option among chocolates is dark chocolate. It is closest to pure Cocoa and tastes slightly bitter. This type of chocolate is mainly used to prepare desserts and cakes. We are going to learn about the different health benefits of dark chocolate later in this article.
Milk Chocolate:
Milk chocolate is the most common type of chocolate and is distributed all around the world. It contains milk, sugar, and Cocoa. However, the percentage of milk and Cocoa can differ from region to region.
Let me tell you 6 healthy reasons why you should eat chocolate:
It is packed in nutrition:
Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is very healthy. With all other potential benefits, It is rich in minerals and soluble fiber. Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of zinc, which helps activate about 300 enzymes and increase metabolism. Chocolate is also a good source of selenium and iron. It contains saturated and monounsaturated fats and should be consumed in moderation.
Magnesium, for example, helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Iron aids in oxygen delivery. Copper and iron help the body create red blood cells. Manganese aids in bone formation and skin health, whereas riboflavin aids in energy production. Overall, these minerals keep your body running properly.
It lowers blood pressure:
Certain substances in chocolate like Flavanols work like ACE inhibitors ( Blood pressure-lowering drugs). These flavanols stimulate the body to make nitrous oxide in the blood that helps open up blood vessels and aids blood flow. Consuming cacao regularly can maintain your systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The bioactive compounds in cacao can cause a small but significant decrease in blood pressure. The flavanols content in chocolate stimulates the endothelium( Lining of arteries), which lowers the resistance to blood flow.
It reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke:
Not only blood pressure, but Cocoa can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can help lower LDL or bad cholesterol, which is linked to stroke and heart disease. Consuming 19-30 grams of chocolate daily can lower the risk of heart failure. However, high chocolate consumption does not boost the advantages.
Cocoa butter contains oleic acid (monounsaturated fat) that can boost the production of high-density lipoproteins(HDL), which is good cholesterol. Some almonds, dark chocolate, and unsweetened Cocoa can lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which can clog blood vessels in high amounts. Studies have shown that people who consume chocolate 5 times a week reduce their chance of heart disease by 57%.
After reading all these benefits, I am sure that you will be thinking of having some chocolate. Why don’t you visit the best nutritionist in Karachi and make a proper diet plan including chocolates.
It can regulate your mood and keep you sharp:
When we’re having a bad day, we all crave chocolate, and there’s a scientific explanation behind it. Serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones, are regulated by chocolate. These hormones can improve your mood and make you feel more energized. The strong flavonols in chocolate can help increase your mood and improve your memory. It may also be beneficial to persons who are already depressed.
It also contains theobromine that increases the production of endorphins. These are neurotransmitters that increase feelings of pleasure and help to ease pain and discomfort. These feelings are similar to natural feelings that you experience after exercise.
It also acts as a natural stimulant that keeps you sharp. It boosts muscle alertness by increasing blood flow to the brain cells.
It can help with type 2 diabetes:
Sugar and diabetes do not mix well, but chocolate is an exception. Dark chocolate, in moderation, may help to reduce the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. According to research, consuming more flavonoids lowers the likelihood of developing this condition in the first place. Furthermore, flavanol-rich Cocoa can help people with diabetes, and non-diabetics reduce insulin sensitivity, enhance blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants like polyphenols are also present in chocolate that have been linked to improving insulin sensitivity and glucose levels. Polyphenols have an anti-diabetic effect that inhibits glucose absorption in the gut or its uptake in tissues.
It is suitable for your skin:
The flavanol in chocolate may also be very beneficial for your skin. These flavanols can protect against sunburn, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density. It also helps in hydrating your skin.
FAQs
Why should you eat chocolate?
Chocolate is known to have many antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline.
What are the positive effects of chocolate?
- Very nutritious.
- A powerful source of antioxidants.
- May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation.
- May reduce heart disease risk.
- May protect your skin from the sun.
- Could improve brain function.
Which type of chocolate is healthy?
Milk and white chocolate are less healthy than raw chocolate or lightly processed dark chocolate with high cocoa content.
What are the side effects of eating chocolate?
When used in significant doses, caffeine-related adverse effects include nervousness, increased urination, insomnia, and a rapid heartbeat.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Nutritionists in Karachi through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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