Chocolate on a Healthy Diet? Fact or Myth?
January 19, 2022
Eating chocolate on a diet may seem like a dream, but a number of studies suggest that it is actually a good source of nutrients and can even help you lose weight!
Chocolate originates from cacao tree seeds which are native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It was then discovered by the Europeans, and the rest is history. It has been one of the most popular desserts in the world. In fact, it will be difficult to find anyone who doesn’t like chocolate.
Cacao, which is the main ingredient, was believed to reduce risk factors for heart disease. In fact, the higher the cocoa content is, the more benefits there are. This may explain what you may have already heard about dark chocolate being the healthiest type of chocolate.
According to research, dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which are good for lowering blood pressure and inflammation in the body. It contains more flavonoids than milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Dark chocolate also gives you more energy since it has similar effects to caffeine, which makes you more alert. In fact, two ounces of 70% dark chocolate can contain about 50 to 60 milligrams of coffee.
Isn’t that cool? Next time I am out of coffee, I am definitely munching on some chocolate bars!
Let us also not forget that a healthy body is connected with a happy mind. Research from Harvard suggests that drinking a sugar-free cocoa beverage daily could keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people, due to a cocoa extract called lavado.
Cocoa also contains psychoactive ingredients which helps reduce symptoms of depression. And every time you eat chocolate, it gives you natural substances similar to what you also get when you fall in love. Making you fall in love with chocolate even more? Now, that’s a natural high
Eating chocolate can also boost your mental health and overall morale. It even enhances your mood and induces feelings of pleasure simply because it tastes so good! No wonder we crave for chocolates whenever we are feeling blue.
Can the benefits of chocolate get even better? You bet!
Studies show that chocolate might actually help you stay slim. This is possible when you eat small portions of dark chocolate at least 5x during the week. The secret to this is that an antioxidant epicatechin also helps improve your body’s metabolism.
Moreover, to get weight-loss results, you should consume chocolates with cocoa content that is 70% or higher. This way you are getting more antioxidants as well as less sugar and calorie content compared to other types of chocolates. As ever, moderation is key. You should always check the label for the calorie, fat and sugar content, which could potentially affect its overall health benefit.
At the end of it all, eating chocolate has both health benefits and risks. And as long as it gives you happiness, and taken in moderation, chocolate can be your partner in health.
Be right back, now heading to the grocery store to stock up on some mouthwatering chocolates!
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Amazing
Interesting information!