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Very few people are aware of the benefits of chocolate and many are often unaware of the positive impact that eating chocolate can have on a person's health. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, provides different nutritional benefits and promotes physical and mental well-being.
In this article, we'll take a look at what chocolate is good for, its relationship with health, and some recommendations for its consumption.
INDEX
- It improves cardiovascular function
- It reduces the risk of heart disease
- It stimulates cognitive functions
- It increases the production of dopamine and serotonin
- It stimulates our metabolism
- It improves digestion
- It’s good for your skin
- It boosts energy levels and stamina
- It has a positive impact during pregnancy
- It is a pleasurable experience
- Recommendations on chocolate consumption
It improves cardiovascular function
One of the main benefits of chocolate concerns cardiovascular health, as it has been shown that eating chocolate helps dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that not all types of chocolate have this effect on the body, especially since the ingredients in commercial chocolates vary greatly.
The key element are flavonoids, a natural substance which stimulates the production of nitric oxide and facilitates the relaxation of blood vessels. According to the American Heart Association, consuming bitter chocolate with a high concentration of cocoa is highly recommended for improving cardiovascular function. This chocolate, known as "dark chocolate", generally has a cocoa content of more than 70%.
The cocoa percentage is particularly important since this determines the amount of flavonoids and antioxidants that the chocolate contains. However, in any case, chocolate should always be consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.
It reduces the risk of heart disease
Thanks to the benefits that chocolate has on cardiovascular health, it can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to flavonoids, chocolate is also rich in polyphenols, which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the heart.
An article published in the National Library of Medicine states that chocolate contains a number of natural chemicals that interact with the body's cells and tissues, preventing the development of certain pathological conditions.
Diet plays an important part in the development of heart disease, and chocolate is a food that can be very useful in preventing heart disease and staying healthy.
It stimulates cognitive functions
For our brains, chocolate has numerous benefits, and several scientific studies endorse the positive effects it has on cognitive functions. This brings us back to the flavonoids, which, by improving blood circulation, help oxygenate the brain and enable the nutrients to reach the brain efficiently.
This indirectly results in people experiencing higher levels of concentration and improved attention spans, as well as better cognitive performance in general. Chocolate has high levels of theobromine and caffeine, which both have positive effects on the body because they boost alertness, mental agility, and brain activity.
It is also worth mentioning that chocolate is good for memory and learning since the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids reduce cognitive deterioration associated with aging. In addition, it is also related to the formation of new neuronal connections and communication between brain cells.
It increases the production of dopamine and serotonin
One of the other benefits of chocolate is that it improves mood, largely due to its impact on the production of neurotransmitters. To be more specific, chocolate increases the production of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that are associated with emotional well-being.
In fact, dopamine is commonly known for its link to pleasure and the feeling of reward. When people eat chocolate, they stimulate the production and release of dopamine, which generates a sense of well-being and joy.
The same happens with serotonin, which generates a sense of calm and well-being, and serves to reduce anxiety and stress, relax the body, and combat the effects of depression.
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It stimulates our metabolism
Chocolate doesn't just benefit the brain, it benefits our bodies too, especially when it comes to metabolic functions. Cocoa contains certain bioactive compounds that serve to increase the body's metabolic rate and optimize calorie burning.
In addition, it has been shown that these compounds can help improve the functioning of fat cells, increase the activity of enzymes that are responsible for breaking down fat, and increase the number of calories burned in the resting state.
It improves digestion
As previously mentioned in this article, the benefits of chocolate are extremely diverse, and one of its lesser-known benefits has to do with the digestive system. Chocolate is rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate intestinal transit and prevents constipation problems.
Of course, this does not work in the same way for all people, because there are certain individuals who may be sensitive or intolerant to the consumption of chocolate. People who have gallbladder-related diseases, rather than seeing the benefits, may be negatively affected by chocolate because of its high-fat content.
It’s good for your skin
A study published in the National Library of Medicine highlights the positive effects that chocolate has on skin care. In fact, it points out that regular consumption of chocolate protects our skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
Likewise, its antioxidants protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, which helps to reduce the impact of aging, especially in relation to wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
Another positive effect is related to a benefit we previously mentioned, which is that by improving blood circulation, chocolate also helps the skin cells to receive a greater amount of oxygen and essential nutrients for their well-being.
It boosts energy levels and stamina
When people need an energy boost, they can also turn to chocolate. Chocolate contains a number of stimulant compounds such as caffeine and theobromine that increase energy levels and enhance mental and physical performance.
While the benefits of chocolate are somewhat similar in all its forms, those who study its impact on the body recommend dark chocolate. This type of chocolate has a higher concentration of cocoa, which means it gives us more in terms of nutrition, energy, and stamina.
It has a positive impact during pregnancy
As long as it is always consumed in moderation, chocolate has certain benefits during pregnancy. Generally speaking, this is due to the nutritional values of chocolate, which have an impact on the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
A study published by the Yale University School of Medicine points out that eating dark chocolate during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a medical condition characterized by increased blood pressure which can affect the liver or kidneys in pregnant women.
In addition to this, it is worth mentioning that chocolate contributes to the emotional well-being of the mother throughout pregnancy, especially through the release of dopamine and serotonin.
It is a pleasurable experience
Last but not least, to conclude this list of the benefits of chocolate, we cannot go without mentioning that its flavor, aroma, and texture create a highly pleasurable sensation. The taste of chocolate is extremely stimulating, and there are very few people who do not enjoy eating it.
In addition, at a cultural level, chocolate is associated with enjoyable and celebratory experiences, as it is usually eaten on special occasions. Chocolate is a symbol of pleasure and gratification, and people consume it to feel good.
In other words, chocolate's health benefits are not the only thing to focus on, because the truth is that beyond its nutritional properties, it is a food that can be enjoyed at every stage of its consumption; from its aroma rousing our sense of smell, its flavors tantalizing our taste buds and that delicious aftertaste of chocolate leaving us with a wonderful sense of well-being.
Recommendations on chocolate consumption
Despite the multiple benefits of chocolate, some precautions should be taken regarding its consumption. To begin with, it is best to choose those brands that offer high-quality chocolate with a greater concentration of cocoa since these are the most beneficial types of chocolate.
With this in mind, it is important to read the product labels to check the percentage of cocoa, amount of sugar, and any other additives. It is best to choose chocolates that have 70% cocoa or more and avoid those with very high levels of added sugars.
Also, although eating chocolate is beneficial, it should always be consumed in moderation because it is a high-calorie food. We recommend consuming just a small portion a couple of times a week.
