Hot chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies and the list goes on forever, especially for chocolate lovers, but do you really know what these chocolate treats can do for your health?
First, we will talk about the positive effects or, in other words, the advantages of eating these sweets. Scientific research has shown and proven that chocolates contain large amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that help us neutralize some of the harmful chemical reactions that occur as part of our metabolism and during exposure to pollutants. Chocolates are also said to benefit the circulatory system by promoting good blood flow. Some people have even said that they noticed a moderate drop in their blood pressure when they ate dark chocolate on a daily basis.
Eating chocolate helps you feel good. Increases brain levels of several chemicals, including mood-altering chemicals phenylethylalanine and anandamide, which produce a mild confidence-boosting effect. It also contains tryptophan, a chemical that improves a person’s mood, and theobromine, a stimulant that gives you energy. It is also an anticancer substance, a brain stimulator and prevents coughing and diarrhea. These sweets have a good reputation as aphrodisiacs. Some studies have shown that sweets also help slow the decline in brain functions as people age.
On the other hand, eating too much chocolate makes a person overweight or obese. This is one of the reasons why many, especially women, avoid overeating. Substances added at the factory, such as fat and sugar, can have an addictive effect. Another big problem that people have when eating candy is tooth decay, especially in the younger age group, those who eat too much chocolate and have poor oral hygiene. The fermentable sugar present in chocolate has the potential to cause tooth decay. However, antioxidants can help offset the acid production potential to some extent, while the calcium, phosphate, and other minerals present, especially in milk chocolate, can also reduce harmful effects on teeth.
Eating chocolate as part of a balanced diet can certainly benefit us, but it would be healthier to consume this sweet in adequate amounts or quantities. Savor the bitter sweet chocolate in your mouth and let it melt and fill your taste buds with its tantalizing flavors and textures. As for the negative effects, everything will be under your control. Just eat enough and you will have a healthy life sweetened with chocolate!