How does chocolate affects health

Chocolate is one of the most favorite and beloved food around the world. No matter which chocolate you like whether it will be dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate. The chocolate has a special place in the hearts of many people. But have ever wondered how chocolate affects your health. The chocolate affects our health in many ways. In this particular blog we will explore the various ways how chocolate affects health we will discuss the impact of chocolate on our body both positively and negatively. We will explore everything from its nutritional content to its potential health benefits and risk.

What is chocolate

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans which come from the cocoa tree. The chocolate made in the industries and the process of making chocolates involve harvesting cocoa beans, fermenting and drying them roasting and grinding them into a paste called cocoa mass. This cocoa mass is then processed into different forms of chocolates including dark, white and milk chocolate. Chocolate affects health in very ways. These ways are given below:

Nutritional content of chocolate

The nutritional content of chocolate can vary depending on its types and how it’s made. Here are some common nutrients found in chocolate. These nutrients include:

Cocoa Seeds: This is the non-fat part of the Coco beans and contains many of the beneficial compounds that affect health.

Cocoa butter: This is the fat component of the cocoa beans. These are the main things that give a smooth texture to the chocolate.

Sugar: Chocolate is incomplete without sugar. Sugar affects overall health.

Milk: Milk chocolate contains milk powder which has calcium and other nutrients in it.

Calories: Chocolate has a high amount of calories in it. These calories provide a lot of energy in a very small amount.

Health benefits of chocolate

Rich in antioxidants

Chocolate has a high quantity of antioxidants properties. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can have the ability to reduce damage to cells. The higher the chocolate has cocoa content, the more antioxidants the chocolate contains.

Heart health

Several high studies also suggest that the consumption of chocolate especially dark chocolate is very beneficial for the health of the heart. The chocolate has the ability to improve the blood flow and also lower the blood pressure level. It also reduces the risk of other heart disease like heart attack. Dark chocolate and also increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol which is good and bad cholesterol respectively. Hence, chocolate affects health of the heart greatly.

Brain functioning

Chocolate affect health of brain in a very good manner. The most chocolate you eat the more it can boost your brain function. That caffeine in the chocolate have the ability to improve the focus and alertness. Eating chocolate also reduces the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Hence, chocolate affects the health of the brain very efficiently.

Mood booster

Chocolate contains the compounds that can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels. It has the ability to stimulate the production of endorphins, the natural body “feel-good” chemical. Hence, chocolate affects health by making us happy and healthy.

Skin health

Chocolate also has the ability to enhance skin. There are many antioxidants present in the chocolate that have the ability to protect the skin from the damage from sun. Chocolate also improves the blood flow to the skin and increases skin hydration. Eating dark chocolate affects health in moderation. Chocolate has the ability to provide us with healthy and more radiant skin. In this way, chocolate affects health greatly.

Potential risk of chocolate consumption

In addition to the benefits of eating chocolate, there are also severe risk factors that can affect health. Here in this blog, now we will discuss the main and important risks of eating chocolates.

High in sugar

Chocolate has a very large amount of sugar in it. Especially milk and white chocolate amounts of added sugar. If you take more than enough chocolate then you can also lead to weight gain. Diabetes and other health issues. Tooth decay is also the most common issue that is often seen in chocolate lovers. Chocolate affects health seriously in many ways.

High in calories

Chocolate has a higher amount of calories in it which means that it can contribute to weight gain because of its excessive calories. It is very important for you to eat a moderate quantity of chocolates. You must avoid eating too many chocolates to avoid consuming too many calories.

Contains caffeine

Chocolate has a large amount of caffeine in it which can be very dangerous for the people who was sensitive to stimulants. If you consume too much caffeine then it can also lead to heart rate, anxiety and sleep disturbance.

Possible allergies

Some people also have allergies to the ingredients present in the most popular chocolates such as milk or nuts. Its important for you to check the ingredients list if you have any kind of food allergies.

How to enjoy chocolate in a healthy way

Choose Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains at least 70% of cocoa content which is very beneficial for your health. Hence, dark chocolate affects health positively and is very beneficial.

Watch Portion size: Enjoy your chocolate in small amount to avoid consuming too many calories and sugar.

Combine with Healthy food: You must combine your chocolate with other foods like fruits, nuts and other things for a balanced snack.

Enjoy as a treat: Remember that you must enjoy chocolate as a treat not as a staple food.

Conclusion

Chocolate specialist dark chocolate can be very delicious and healthy. Chocolate affects health in a number of ways. You must add chocolate in your diet for a treat not as a staple food. It is actually rich in antioxidant and provide numerous health benefits. Chocolate affects health as well as mind and body naturally. It also boosts our mind and gives several health benefits.