The internet is filled with articles disapproving the eating of chocolates. However, you will be surprised to learn that there are more benefits to eating chocolates (the dark ones especially) than there are detriments.
While chocolate is being slandered left and right, this nutrient-saturated bounty is still maintaining goodness, spreading happiness to all who eat them.
But how exactly does chocolate benefits the body?
The principal ingredient being cocoa contains active phenolic compounds that are known to fight inflammation and confer cell protection. Since not all chocolate type has the ability to supply a lot of nutrients. Knowing the type that supplies these great benefits, is key.
Here is the logic—
The higher the cocoa in the chocolate, the darker it appears and the more benefits. Also, the lesser the fat and sugar content it possesses.
Benefits of eating chocolates
Consuming chocolate is healthy. It is known to impact overall health and positivity. So, you don’t have to feel guilty when the craving for chocolates comes knocking. You just have to maintain a moderate approach knowing fully well that chocolate should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into the benefits of chocolate.
Research has it that eating chocolates, especially the dark ones—
1. Improve brain function: The flavonols in dark chocolates increase blood flow to the brain. This impacts the functionality of the brain making you have a better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness, and overall a stronger memory.
Fun fact: While reading or writing, eat chocolate. It will help you focus better.
- Reduces stress:Eating chocolates leads to a reduced level of the stress hormone cortisol. As you know that stress is a heart disease risk factor. Eating chocolate improves heart health at the same time lowering the level of stress.
3. Combats diabetes: The epicatechic present in cocoa protects cells and makes them stronger. Similarly, it supports the processes that allow the body to utilize insulin, this way it prevents diabetes.
4. Stabilizes the immune system: Many diseases like Asthma are caused when cells fight against free radicals as a result of imbalance. But, when you eat dark chocolates, the flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and experiencing oxidative stress.
5. Lowers blood pressure: The flavonols in dark chocolate can stimulate the lining of the arteries thereby causing it to produce Nitric Oxide (NO). What the NO does is it reduces blood pressure by signaling to the arteries to relax. However small the decrease is, it is statistically significant.
6. Confers skin protection from the sun: Science has it that the flavonols in dark chocolate improve blood flow to the skin. Thereby increasing the hydration and density of the skin. And that is great for your skin as it protects it from sun damage.
7. Fetal development: The cocoa in chocolate contains Iron, Zinc, and Magnesium among other nutrients. Plus, antioxidant properties. Eating about 30g of chocolate every day as a pregnant woman is recommended by experts. It would have it contributing useful nutrients to the list of endless vitamins and minerals required for fetal development.
Bonus Benefit—
Chocolate makes you happy. It contains a chemical called phenylethylamine that when consumed, triggers your brain to release endorphins. The same endorphins that are produced when you’re happy or in love.
READ ALSO: The Importance of Oji (Kola Nut) in the Igbo Culture
Fun tip—
To help you better enjoy dark chocolates, take a bite and don’t chew. Rather let it melt on your tongue. This way you will feel the full flavor of cocoa butter. Hmm! Yummy! Such an amazing feeling.
