There’s nothing wrong with eating chocolate every day. In fact, you shouldn’t feel guilty for indulging in this euphoric sugary delight. What makes it so pleasurable is that it contains chemicals that make most of us feel good, endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. They’re released by the brain when we consume this dark savory food.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Chocolate is more than a satisfying treat, but an experience. When we eat it, we gain feelings of comfort, bliss and gratification—all at once. But like any guilty pleasure, this endorphin infused treat should be consumed in moderation.
Even the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, pre-Olmec cultures residing in present-day Mexico exalted the gift of chocolate. Both cultures in the 1900 B.C. era used cacao, or “cocoa” beans from the cacao tree, which is native to Central and South America for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
These two civilizations understood the power of chocolate and found it to be mood-enhancing and “aphrodisiac.”
NOTE: An aphrodisiac is a substance alleged to increase libido, sexual desire, sexual attraction, sexual pleasure, or sexual behavior.
The Mayans and Aztecs even worshiped and praised the cacao “cocoa” plant and referred to it as the “Cacao God” (Ek Chuaj, Ek Chuah, Ekchuah)—Maya god of cocoa. It was used as a beverage in religious and sacred ceremonies.
Today, this additive delightful treat is often regarded as the “food of the gods.”
Although this dark savory food contains high amounts of sugar and calories, which may provide negative effects on your body if it’s over consumed, dark chocolate is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can positively affect your health.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Dark chocolate contains several health benefits. It is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc and a few other minerals.
Why is dark chocolate good for you?
Studies reveal that cocoa in dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids—which may provide several health benefits such as reducing free radicals, improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, reducing insulin resistance, and could improve the brain’s functionality.
Some of the compounds in dark chocolate, specifically flavanols, affect two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
However, studies also show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage.
Eating dark chocolate regularly may also help to reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease, according to latest research.
Studies show that dark chocolate is not only good for you, but it also contains essential benefits for your overall health. Here’s 15 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Supported by Medical Experts.
- Contains Anti-Aging Properties
- Rich in vital vitamins and minerals
- Lowers your blood pressure
- Helps control blood sugar
- Contains antidepressant agents
- Help prevent heart diseases
- Contains antioxidants that protect cells
- Strengthens your heart
- Mood enhancer
- Increases blood flow to the brain and heart
WHAT YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW: Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine—which contain a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant—like morphine and quinine that have psychological effects on humans.
- Stress Reliever
- Helps protect arteries
- Improves brain functions
- Fights tiredness
- Helps you lose weight
RELATED: Can you really eat what you want and still lose weight? (WATCH VIDEO)
Bottom Line
Chocolate has become a popular food product that millions enjoy every day, thanks to its unique, rich, and sweet taste. However, chocolate is not just a guilty pleasure most of us love and savor, it also has many health benefits as well.
Again, There’s nothing wrong with indulging in your guilty pleasure. Eating chocolate can have positive effects on mood, brain cognition, and metabolism due to the presence of phytochemicals (chemicals produced by plants) and flavanols.
However, too much dark chocolate can increase the risk of kidney stones, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and obesity.
Eating too much of this addictive treat may increase the risk for heart disease, but eating higher amounts may cancel the health benefits and cause negative effects due to increased sugar intake.
It’s important to eat chocolate in moderation and choose lower-sugar options like dark chocolate.
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