10 Science Backed Reasons Why Chocolate Can Be Good for Your Health
Written by jheelum basu | October 1, 2024
For the chocolate lovers across the world, the ‘c’ in chocolate very often stands for comfort. Whether incorporating them into desserts for some added indulgence or enjoying them as they are, the taste of chocolate is always associated with a divine sense of bliss. But are chocolates only about comfort? Or, do they also bring something more? Well, science says chocolate has a lot more to offer when consumed mindfully. If wondering what all they are, here you’ll get to know about 10 reasons why chocolate is good for you.
Is Chocolate Good for You: Know The Truth
The debate continues over how good it is for health. While not exactly labelled as a ‘healthy’ food owing to its high sugar and calorie-rich content, research across the globe indicates that it still has certain positive attributes for health as well. Especially when it comes to factors like mood lifting, heart health, presence of antioxidants, and more. Therefore, it is often advised to consume mindfully and moderately with an overall balanced diet.
With its high antioxidant content, mood-boosting properties, and other potential benefits, a measured quantity of chocolate can be added to homemade desserts. So the next time you're planning to bake or whip up a sweet treat, don’t worry too much about adding a balanced quantity of chocolate to it.
10 Reasons Why Chocolate Is Good For You
Rich Source Of Antioxidants
The presence of a significant percentage of antioxidants in chocolates is something that no one can deny. In fact, research says this is one of the most significant health advantages of chocolate. It contains high levels of polyphenol-rich flavonoids. These plant-based compounds are particularly helpful in fighting against inflammation in the body.
Heart Health Benefits
According to a research paper by the National Institute of Health (NIH), moderate consumption of dark chocolate is likely to improve heart health, as it potentially lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. The credit once again goes to the flavonoids. Besides, good-quality dark chocolate also relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow.
Mood Lifting
Whether it is a tiring day at work or just a day when one feels low, chocolate can fix the mood like nothing else. Now, how does that happen? Research says chocolate is known to trigger the release of neurotransmitters called endorphins, which play a key role in lifting mood. Serotonin here plays a key role as an antidepressant.
Skin benefits
Dark chocolate also improves skin’s hydration and protects the largest organ of the human body against the damaging effects of sun exposure. According to a report by The Journal of Nutrition, the consumption of moderate amounts of cocoa flavanols through dark chocolate improves skin wrinkles and elasticity. So, enjoying this treat in moderation could also lead to glowing skin.
Aid in weight management
Research says that polyphenols present in dark chocolates support weight loss management via a chain of complex biochemical reactions. It is often proposed that the high fiber, magnesium, and antioxidant content of dark chocolate does the job by curbing cravings, reducing fat, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Helps maintain blood pressure
The flavanols present in cocoa help relax blood vessels by boosting nitric oxide levels. Research says it makes the blood flow more freely and can reduce blood pressure. The action is particularly beneficial for individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure. It is like a soft assistant for your blood vessels.
Enhances brain function
One of the best health benefits of chocolate is how it affects the health of the brain. Research by the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that the polyphenols in cocoa improve circulation to the brain, which enhances memory and cognitive activities. Some ongoing research also suggests that balanced consumption of cocoa may reduce the risk of conditions involving memory loss.
A source of essential minerals
Another research says cocoa is considered a rich source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and more. The high magnesium content in this nutrient-dense superfood supports muscle and nerve function.
Calcium for stronger bones
Being a milk-based chocolate, Dairy Milk has higher percentages of calcium in it than the other variations of chocolate. Therefore, if consumed in moderation, it can possibly aid in maintaining stronger bones.
Good For Post-Workout Recovery
After burning all those calories at the gym, chocolate milk (with a moderate amount of chocolate, of course) is often considered a good post-workout treat for recovery. Health experts often recommend this, particularly after heavy endurance training.
Conclusion: So, the next time your heart craves some chocolate, there is no need to refrain from indulging in it mindfully. When it comes to eating chocolates, controlled and moderate consumption is the key. When the rest of the diet is well-balanced, a little chocolate only does good to your health.
Reference
Antioxidants:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622147498
Heart Health:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10781976/
Mood Lifting:
- https://healthcare-bulletin.co.uk/article/stress-reducing-effect-of-a-single-dose-of-dark-chocolate-in-healthy-individuals-an-assessment-using-heart-rate-variability-2891/
Skin benefits:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622089672#:~:text=Despite%20the%20limitations%2C%20the%20present,progression%20of%20skin%20photo%2Daging.
Weight management:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7760201/
Blood Pressure:
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.827022
Brain Function:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3575938/
Essential minerals:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4145303/