Health Benefits of Chocolate

A chocolate has been one of the most popular treats in the world for centuries. It's really difficult to find a person who is not fond of eating chocolates. Everybody is crazy about chocolates due to its mouth-watering taste and fascinating appearance. Kids cannot control their temptation about chocolates and many parents experience that kids can be stopped from crying with a gift of chocolate. Previously, it was assumed that chocolates are bad for health and hence, it should not be consumed in high quantity. It was considered to be responsible for affecting dental health and causing obesity. However, according to the latest researches, it has been found that chocolate has certain health benefits, especially if you wisely choose it. As chocolate is available in different attractive colors, shapes and sizes, it has gained extreme popularity all over the world and it has become integral part of any kind of celebration.

Ingredients of Chocolates

Chocolate is prepared from cocoa powder, which is derived from cocoa tree. It consists of more than 300 chemicals. Its major ingredients are as follows:

• Cocoa butter that contains oleic acid
• Flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties
• Serotonin that acts as anti-depressant
• Vitamins like A, B1, C, D and E
• Iron, calcium and potassium
• Nitric Oxide

Health Benefits of Chocolate

Today, chocolates are available in a wide attractive variety. Some chocolates contain high quantity of sugar and milk, while dark chocolate has less amount of sugar and it offers more health benefits. Some chocolates come with addition of resins, caramel and dry fruits. As chocolate is prepared from plants, it offers several health benefits of dark vegetables. Cocoa, major ingredient of chocolate, consists of antibacterial agents, which prevents tooth decay. Of course, you can get this advantage from dark chocolates having less quantity of sugar. The smell of a chocolate enhances the theta brain waves that may result in relaxation. Another ingredient of chocolate, phenyl ethylamine, is a mild mood elevator. Cocoa butter present in chocolate consists of oleic acid, which can increase the levels of good cholesterol,HDL cholesterol. If you drink a cup of hot chocolate prior to meals, then it enhances your appetite.

Can you believe that your favorite chocolate is a rich source of vitamins and minerals? It consists of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E as well as iron, calcium and potassium. Chocolate also contains abundant amounts of magnesium and phosphorus. Phosphorus is important for teeth and bone formation in children. In combination with calcium, it helps to keep the bone healthy and strong. Magnesium can maintain normal functioning of muscles and nerves. It is beneficial for strong bones and healthy immune system. Flavonoids in chocolate possess antioxidant properties, which offers wonderful health benefits such as reduced cancer risk. Serotonin present in chocolate acts as anti-depressant. It can increase happiness and alertness and many experience pain reducing benefit. Caffeine, theobromine, phenylamine and tyramine found in chocolate can decrease fatigue and offer extra boost. Good news for health conscious people is that some fats in chocolate don’t impact cholesterol. Three types of fats are found in chocolate such as oleic acid, which is healthy monosaturated fat, stearic acid and palmitic acid. Out of them, only palmitic acid can be bad for your health.

Heart health benefits of Chocolates

Dark chocolate is good for health of your heart. Daily small chocolate bar keeps your heart and cardiovascular system healthy. It can improve your heart’s health by lowering blood pressure and lowering bad cholesterol, LDL cholesterol. Flavonoids present in chocolate are good for the health of heart. Free radicals formed by breathing or environmental things can cause increase in LDL cholesterol oxidation and formation of plaque on the walls of arteries. Flavonoids can repair damage by free radicals and offer protection from environmental toxins. They can also lower platelet activation and affect relaxation of blood vessels. Nitric oxide present in chocolate can help to maintain normal blood pressure and healthy heart.

Now that you know about the health benefits of chocolate, you can go ahead to enjoy the delicious treat without caring much. But, keep in mind that excess should be always avoided. Eat chocolates in limited amount and get their health benefits.