Chocolate has long been known to contain antioxidants that help boost the body's immunity, and has been known to improve mood and treat depression. Here we can learn about the health benefits of chocolate and its components, as well as its side effects.
Health benefits of chocolate:
Another common health concern recently is related to the question of the health benefits of chocolate, and does eating it in reasonable quantities have positive effects on the health of the body and its various organs, especially if it is dark in color? Here is the answer:
The truth about the health benefits of chocolate:
A lot of research has been done on the validity of the claims about the true health benefits of chocolate, and the conclusion is as follows:
1. Help lower blood pressure:
Well-Conducted Research on the Health Benefits of Chocolate The best available evidence for the effect of chocolate on blood pressure is that cocoa products, including dark chocolate, may help lower blood pressure slightly.
However, most of the studies were of short duration, between two and eight weeks, and there were some weaknesses in the available research. The review authors of the studies stated that long-term trials remain necessary to advance our understanding of the reliability of cocoa's effect on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
2. Helps prevent cancer:
Some laboratory and animal research suggests that a diet rich in cocoa may offer protection against bowel cancer when cocoa is consumed regularly. However, it is impossible to definitively conclude from laboratory research that cocoa can protect humans from bowel cancer.
3. Reduce stress and stress levels:
In a small study of 30 healthy people who consumed 40 grams of dark chocolate daily for 14 days, a significant reduction in stress hormones was observed. However, chocolate does not have any benefits or effects on stress.
What do nutritionists say about chocolate?
Nutritionally, chocolate is not only considered as cocoa content, but rather it is fats, sugars, proteins, caffeine as well as many minerals and antioxidants, and a good amount of calories,
Of course, we cannot deny the range of health benefits of chocolate resulting from the consumption of cocoa products, especially with regard to cardiovascular disease. However, the potential health benefits of some of the compounds in chocolate but the components of chocolate as a whole should be taken into consideration.
Chocolate is an energy-dense food that can contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity-related diseases if not controlled.
However, on the contrary, chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, if the permissible amount is calculated according to the condition of the person who will eat it.
Chocolate nutritional value:
This interest stems from scientists' observation that Central America, famous for its staple beverage, cocoa, is less likely to develop high blood pressure, a major cause of heart disease and strokes.
Chocolate is a product made primarily from cocoa, and many brand owners have sought to link the health benefits of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, to the many benefits of cocoa, which mainly include protection against cancer, stress relief and mood improvement.
It is important to know that chocolate contains about 700 different types of antioxidants from the family of flavonoids and theobromine, which contribute to the process of producing a substance called nitrate oxide, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels. It also helps prevent blood clotting and vasculitis.
Theobromine helps activate the kidneys and heart, dilates blood vessels, and prevents inflammation and fluid buildup. It also contains powerful antioxidants, such as: catechins and procyanidins. The health benefits of chocolate come from the nutrients in cocoa.
Chocolate side effects:
After learning the truth about the health benefits of chocolate, we present to you a set of side effects associated with its frequent consumption, as follows:
Chocolate is high in calories due to its fat and sugar content and thus may cause weight gain.
Chocolate is rich in sugar, which may increase the risk of tooth decay.
Some people may experience an increase in migraine symptoms when eating chocolate due to the cocoa content of tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine.