Chocolate is mixed into all kinds of sweet, delicious and easy-to-enjoy drinks and desserts, which leads many people to assume that eating lots of chocolate is bad for you. In fact, dark chocolate, the intense, concentrated kind, has real advantages and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Chocolate
1. Chocolate Supports Heart Health
Chocolate contains flavonoids that help balance blood pressure, improve blood circulation, dilate blood vessels and prevent hardening of the arteries. Eating dark chocolate at least once a week can therefore help reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Chocolate Helps Slow Ageing
Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help slow cell degeneration and wrinkles and inhibit cancer cells.
3. Chocolate Helps Reduce Stress
When we eat chocolate, the brain releases endorphins, the "happy chemicals", which lift our mood. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which stimulates serotonin, another feel-good chemical, helping to reduce stress.
4. Chocolate Nourishes the Blood
Chocolate contains iron and other minerals such as potassium, zinc and magnesium, which help nourish the blood and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
5. Chocolate Eases Premenstrual Symptoms
Chocolate contains magnesium, which helps raise levels of the hormone progesterone that influences women's mood before menstruation. It also helps reduce water retention.
6. Chocolate Benefits Unborn Babies
While eating chocolate, the brain releases a chemical called phenylethylamine, which improves mood. This has a positive effect on the unborn baby and is also linked to a lower risk of preeclampsia.
Cautions When Eating Chocolate
- Avoid eating large amounts of sweetened or flavoured chocolate, as it contains a lot of sugar and is bad for your health.
- Do not eat large amounts of chocolate every day.
- People with migraines should avoid chocolate, as it contains a chemical called tyramine that lowers blood flow and can make migraines worse.
- People with kidney disease should avoid chocolate, as it is high in oxalic acid, which can cause calcium crystals to form and build up into kidney stones.
How to Eat Chocolate for the Most Benefit
- Choose dark chocolate, as it contains very little sugar and fat.
- Choose chocolate with at least 70% real cocoa.
- Eat around 198 grams per week.
- Pick chocolate with a dark colour: the darker it is, the better it is for your health.
Chocolate is a treat many people enjoy regularly, but eating too much can harm your health. So it is best to enjoy it in moderation.
