The benefits of eating chocolate

When you think of chocolate you think of indulgence. ‘Guilty pleasure’, ‘bad food’, or ‘treat’ is what comes up when dietitians or the weight loss industry talks about chocolate. It is associated with weight gain, obesity, diabetes, acne, poor skin quality, and lack of willpower. But did you know that eating chocolate can boost your brain function?

Types of chocolate such as dark chocolate have been known to healthy foods which when consumed in moderation can benefit you. Even regular chocolate can have several benefits for your mind and body. Chocolate, its production, and consumption constitute a billion-dollar industry. The unprocessed, fresh, or organic chocolate (sugar-free) or dark chocolate can improve your health in many ways. Let’s find out the health benefits of eating chocolate or dark chocolate in moderation.

Improves Memory- Chocolate is high in flavonoids which can improve blood flow to the brain. Cocoa contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine which impact the brain function on a short-term basis. Cocoa may also improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It can show positive changes in verbal fluency as well. This works when you consume chocolate free of eggs, sugar, and milk.

Improve Math Skills- The research is still new and raw about this claim but scientists have suggested that dark chocolate can improve your math skills. This is due to the increase of flavanols available in cocoa.

Affect your Mood- The myth about eating chocolate when you are depressed or feeling low exists for a reason. Studies have indicated that cocoa polyphenols have a beneficial effect on our mood. It can relax us and make us feel lighter and happier.

Lowers Blood Pressure- The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of the arteries, to produce nitric oxide. One of the functions of Nitric Oxide is to send the brain a signal to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and thus reduces blood pressure. Research has proven that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. This reduction is small but can differ from person to person.

Antioxidants- Dark chocolate has been found loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins to name a few. Raw, unprocessed cocoa beans are among the highest-rated foods in the world when talking about antioxidants. Cocoa and dark chocolate have more antioxidants than fruits such as blueberries.

Helps with Alzheimer’s Disease- The nerve pathways to the brain get damaged when Alzheimer’s disease strikes causing severe loss in certain mental functions and capabilities. An extract called Lavado found in cocoa can reduce the damage to our nerve pathways. Again, the research is quite new and inconclusive but further studies are being done.

Protects Your Skin- The flavanols in cocoa can protect your skin against sun damage. They improve blood flow to your skin and increase skin density and hydration. The bioactive compounds in chocolate, especially dark chocolate are highly effective against skin damage and sunburn.

Helps you Workout- Researchers claim that eating half to one square of chocolate or dark chocolate can help you work out effectively. The epicatechin in cocoa acts as a booster and increases your energy and mood. It is recommended to not overdo on chocolate or eat chocolate containing excess sugar and processed substances.

Nutritious- Chocolate with high cocoa content (above 75%) can replace nutritious and healthy snacks. A typical chocolate bar has all your daily requirements for copper, manganese, half of your magnesium, and two-thirds of your iron. It contains other elements such as zinc, fiber, selenium, and potassium.

Produces Endorphins- Chocolate consumption produces endorphins in our body. This is similar to the feelings of excitement, love, or the high of completing your exercise. Your brain releases hormones called endorphins which make you feel happy and excited. The flavanols assist in endorphin production without having to workout or run a marathon. Endorphins can help prevent stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

So, it is abundantly clear that chocolate has several impressive health and mental benefits. But one can’t be eating sugar-filled chocolate or desserts and expect to get the same health benefits. A lot of chocolate bars and desserts available in the market are not healthy. Study the labels before making a purchase. Use dark chocolate, sugar-free, or with sugar replacements like honey, stevia, and erythritol. The darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Anything above 70-75% cocoa content is good for your heart and mind. Eating half to one square of dark chocolate after your meal can diminish your sugar and dessert cravings. You can add cocoa nibs, beans, or cocoa chips to your cereal, smoothie, or yogurt. Many people drink cocoa-flavored protein shakes or smoothies to get the necessary benefits.