The Choclate Prince

Is eating chocolate bad for your health?  No! However, chocolate should be eaten in moderation. Although studies show that there are a lot of health benefits to eating chocolates, there is also a dark side to it as well which we should take into consideration.

 

Here are the health effects of dark chocolates and cocoa:

 

Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Eating a few squares of dark chocolate can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 50%. Studies show that blood platelets clot more slowly for those people who have eaten chocolates compared to those who have not.

 

Reduce Blood Pressure and Insulin Sensitivity

Due to the flavanols that are found in Cacao, it kindles the production of endothelial nitric oxide, causing vasodilation or the increase of blood flow. Eating dark chocolate can increase the sensitivity of insulin in your body which lessens the risk of having diabetes.

 

Lower Risk of Stroke

An increase in your chocolate consumption by 50 gram each week lessens cerebral infarction risk by 12%, hemorrhagic stroke risk by 27%, and total stroke risk by 14%.

 

Lowers Cholesterol Level

Although heavily processed, milk chocolates can increase the cholesterol level of your body because they contain saturated fatty acids with added sugar, darker chocolate as well as the unprocessed chocolate are more beneficial.

 

These types of chocolates contain 60 to 70% cocoa which can decrease low-density lipoprotein levels and increase high-density lipoprotein levels. It is true that Cocoa contains saturated fat; however it is primarily stearic acid. Stearic acid is cholesterol neutral so it does not increase nor decrease the level of cholesterol in your body.

 

Mood Booster

Eating chocolate can make one happy due to the dopamine and opioid that are then awakened in the system. It keeps the chocolate eater away from depression due to the positive mood it provides.

 

Food for the Brain

Those who have cognitive difficulties are advised to have higher intake of chocolates. Cocoa improves the cognitive and the flexibility functions of the brain including verbal confidence.

 

Aids in Weight Loss

After eating chocolate you will feel full so you will not crave for anymore food to eat. It also satisfies your cravings for more sweet and salty food. The chocolate’s anti-oxidant property boosts the metabolism in the body which can lead to a sexier you.

 

Protects Your Beautiful Skin

In addition to using sunscreen while you are under the heat of the sun, eating dark chocolate can also protect your skin. The flavonoid that is one of the types of antioxidant, protects your skin from the damaging UV rays.

 

Stops your cough

Feeling annoyed with your persistent coughing? Try eating chocolate to stop it. The Theobromine which is a component of the chocolate, lessens the activity of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is that part of the brain that activates hard-to-shake coughs making you cough all the time. But eating chocolate may help to stop stubborn coughs.

 

Improves your Vision

Having trouble seeing things from afar? Or have you been accused of being a snob because you were not able to say “Hi” to a friend at the mall? You should try consuming chocolates as it increases the flow of your blood to your retina. A good blood flow to the retina can boost your vision.

 

You should increase your intake of dark chocolates or chocolates that are flavanol rich to give you the varied health benefits that your body needs.