More and more studies have shown that chocolates actually have some health benefits but what exactly are they? Here are some of them that have been found.
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- Chocolate is good for your heart. Some studies have shown that eating chocolate can prevent blood clots and lower the risk of heart disease because of flavonoids in chocolate.
- Chocolate is rich in minerals. Chocolate is packed with minerals like potassium, zinc, selenium, and iron.
- Chocolate reduces cholesterol. Consumption of cocoa has been shown to reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, which can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Chocolate is good for your skin. Flavonols in chocolate can protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
- Chocolate can make you feel better and reduce stress. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you are falling in love.
- Chocolate is good for your brain. Some studies have shown that flavonols in chocolate help the brain function more smoothly and eating chocolate can speed up blood flow through the middle cerebral arteries. Also studies have found that epicatechin, a compound found in chocolate can reduce the damage in the brain.
- Chocolate may prevent cancer. Cocoa contains a compound called pentameric procyanidin, or pentamer, which disrupts cancer cell’s ability to spread.
However, it doesn’t mean that all kinds of chocolate are good for you. Some chocolates especially cheaper ones have artificial additives so read the ingredient labels and avoid those with additives.
Also the higher the percentage of cacao is, the more flavonoids the chocolate has, which means dark chocolate is better for your health than milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Although there are some health benefits in chocolate, consuming too much is not good just like any other kind of food. I personally like white chocolate and milk chocolate even though I know dark chocolate is healthier because what’s the point of eating it if you don’t like the taste? I think the best benefit of chocolate is still the effect that makes you happy.