Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate

What are the health benefits? What are the various kinds of chocolates that are available?

Whether, you’re angry, or you’re sad- tired or stressed out there is one simple cure which is sure to last! CHOCOLATE- the worldwide mood elevator!!! Having been in existence since the past 3000 years, chocolate has a huge history of its development.

With varieties available such dark chocolate, white chocolate, bittersweet chocolate to unsweetened chocolate- chocolate comes in various forms. A very popular form, being cocoa powder is used in beverages, and drunk as a warm beverage on a chilly evening or when huddled by the fireplace.

Now, one might wonder how something as sweet as chocolate could possibly be a health beneficial food substance. Often perceived as merely “a Source of Fat” and nothing else, chocolate is a very beneficial food substance at times.

Chocolate is recognized as a functional food around the world and is known to help regulate blood flow. Having a tremendous effect on emotions, chocolate stabilizes our moods and usually is acquainted with elevating our moods, and instilling a spirit of happiness.

Right from the time, when one is a child, chocolates has been used as a re-enforcement towards good behaviour. Coming in various forms such as, chocolate ice creams, chocolate cookies, chocolate mixed with nuts and raisins; milk chocolates, dark chocolates to bittersweet chocolates, there really can be no end to how chocolate can be used! Pastries with chocolate fillings and icings or sprinkles to top them, too add to the list!

Many fear the obesity factor linked by eating too many chocolates, as it is usually full of sugars and fat; but a sugar-free chocolate too has been devised! Especially beneficial for those who suffer from diabetes, and also those health-conscious folk; these sugar free chocolates contain a sugar substitute calledmaltitol- which is a reduced calorie sweetener with a sugar-free taste.

Chocolate is known to prevent cavities! Containing chemicals known as tannins which prevent cavity formation, you can be assured that indulging in a chocolate will not bring you a cavity!

Besides this, each chocolate bar that you consume contains 3-4 grams of protein, an unbelievable fact, but it’s true!

 You can reduce the chance of developing cancer and prevent any cell damage by eating chocolate- as it contains antioxidants called flavanoids known for this function.

Children who are hyperactive are usually calmed down by eating chocolate, as it affects the serotonin level in the brain, “increasing it”- a job that is done because of the level of sugar contained in it.

Besides this,  other valuable and essential minerals needed by the body like copper, magnesium and calcium are found in chocolates- each one known for different strengthening qualities.

Whereas calcium strengthens the bones and teeth in your body; magnesium helps to produce calcitonin- which is used to produce calcium in the bones and control the acidity in the blood. Copper which is responsible for pigmentation in the eyes, hair and skin is also another beneficial aspect chocolate provides you with. Containing over 300 naturally occurring chemicals in it, the most famous ones would include caffeine, cocoa, sugar and flavanoids. Flavanoids are known to lower LDL cholesterol and protect you against heart diseases.

Dark chocolates contain higher amounts of flavanoid in it, and thus consumption of dark chocolate has a more protective benefit against heart disease.

Certain chocolates contain ingredients which may increase cholesterol levels, as in milk chocolates where the whole milk which could raise cholesterol levels. It all depends on the type you eat!

Of course, chocolates should not be eaten every day, as they are a potential source of fat.

Now, you can safely eat a chocolate and know how it will benefit you!