Many scientific investigations have established that chocolate consumption has positive health effects. When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate, in particular, has been shown to improve both mental and physical health, according to a number of studies. Chocolate’s many health advantages and energizing effects extend to our minds as well. Two or three chocolate bars each month has been linked to a longer lifespan compared to never eating chocolate.
Scientists have discovered that eating chocolate raises levels of the feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin in the brain, suggesting that it can alleviate depression. Chocolate’s appetite-suppressing properties also make it useful for reducing overall fat consumption. In addition, cocoa has been shown to have an appetite-suppressing impact.
Dark chocolate, not milk chocolate, is the healthiest option. Cacao, one of dark chocolate’s key constituents, is a good source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help shield cells from potentially harmful free radicals.
Sadly, free radicals are present in the air we breathe and in the food we eat at all times. Cancer, asthma, allergies, and type 2 diabetes are just some of the diseases that can be fought off by eating foods rich in flavonoids.
Cocoa’s flavonoids inhibit the formation of blood clots, which can cause serious damage to the heart and other organs. These flavonoids also facilitate easier blood vessel dilation, which contributes to improved blood flow. Moreover, cocoa possesses qualities that help control the inflammatory process, which may cause significant harm to the body if left unchecked.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate aid the heart by keeping blood arteries flexible. Also, it boosts blood flow throughout the body, which lowers hypertension. Moreover, the antioxidant epicatechin in chocolate widens and relaxes blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
By raising HDL (good) cholesterol, cocoa is thought to lessen cardiovascular issues. The good fats in HDL are the ones that get rid of the bad ones in the blood vessels.
In fact, a study with over 9,000 participants was conducted in Germany a few years ago, and the results showed that those who ate more than seven grams of chocolate per day tended to have lower chances of strokes and heart attacks, as well as lower blood pressure.
The cocoa and dark chocolate we eat can help us meet our daily fiber requirements. Also, against popular belief, chocolate has almost no cholesterol; if it does, it comes from the milk constituents. Lindt chocolate bar is a plant-based food, and plants do not naturally produce cholesterol.
Vitamin and mineral rich food source
Vitamins and minerals can be found in abundance in dark chocolate. Magnesium and iron are abundant, and the vitamin B in it can help you feel more energized. Copper and potassium, both crucial to health, are present as well.
Around twelve percent of the recommended daily allowance for magnesium can be found in a single bar of dark chocolate. This is crucial for avoiding long-term conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, and heart disease.
History
Over 4000 years ago, in the cultures of the Maya and Aztec, chocolate was first introduced to the world. Cacao, the key component in chocolate, is said to have originated in the Amazon. The god Quetzalcoatl is credited with presenting the cacao tree to the Aztecs. Roasting and crushing the seeds into a paste that could be combined with water was a technique he showed them how to do. Chocotatl was the name given to this concoction by the Aztecs, who believed that eating it made them more and more knowledgeable.
In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors brought chocolate to Spain. The flavor was improved by the addition of various spices and sugars by the Spaniards. Until coffee and tea became more popular in the 19th century, chocolate was the beverage of choice among Europe’s upper classes.
The twentieth century saw the introduction of solid chocolate bars to Europe. Around this time, the cocoa bean’s health benefits were uncovered, and chocolate’s popularity skyrocketed.
Include Chocolate in Your Meal Plan
Dark chocolate is the better option if you want to incorporate chocolate into your diet. Consume the appropriate daily calorie intake. Dark chocolate is the superior option, whether you prefer it with nuts or not. Avoid chocolates that have fillings like nougat or caramel because they are loaded with unnecessary calories.
Pure dark chocolate is used not just for its great flavor, but also for the health benefits it provides. A daily limit of 3.5 ounces of chocolate is safe for healthy adults. This is the amount of chocolate that is considered to be on the safe side.
Therefore, getting the health advantages of chocolate from consuming it is not a given. Dark chocolate’s antioxidants are less likely to be absorbed by the body if you eat it alongside a glass of milk. Likewise, some chocolates are not good for you because they are high in fat and sugar.