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what are benefits of eating chocolate

by Dr. Mabel Bernier III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Chocolate is especially rich in flavanols like epicatechin and catechin, as well as anthocyanins and phenolic acids. All of these compounds help protect your cells from inflammation, improve your brain function, and boost your immune and cardiovascular health. Dark chocolate can also give you: Cardiovascular support.Dec 13, 2020

What are the dangers of eating chocolate?

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Increased urination
  • Tremors
  • Elevated or abnormal heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Collapse and death

Why eating chocolate is bad for You?

  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Heart attack
  • Internal bleeding

What is the healthiest chocolate to eat?

With a very low calorie count and under 5g of fat, the illusive 100 Grand chocolate bar is one of the healthiest out there. It's chewy centre and crispy outer coating also makes it a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Does eating chocolate increases weight?

One chocolate bar certainly won't derail any diet, but regularly adding chocolate to your diet might tip the scales if you're not including it in your daily calorie count. And while dark chocolate has some serious health benefits, you can gain weight from eating too much of that as well. But the news is not all bad.

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What are the benefits of eating chocolate everyday?

8 reasons to eat chocolate and the healthiest optionsIt is nutritious. ... It may lower blood pressure. ... It may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. ... It may provide relief from inflammation. ... It may protect skin from the sun damage. ... It may improve brain function. ... It may improve mood. ... It may improve symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.More items...•

What are 10 benefits of eating chocolate?

10 Great Benefits of Dark ChocolateIt Has Antioxidant Properties. ... Dark Chocolate Can Boost Your Focus. ... It Protects Your Skin from Dehydration. ... It Supports the Functions of Your Heart. ... Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure. ... Cocoa Is Rich in Good Nutrients. ... It Boosts Your Energy Levels. ... Chocolate Is Important for Pregnant Women.More items...•

What are 3 benefits of chocolate?

7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark ChocolateVery nutritious. ... Powerful source of antioxidants. ... May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. ... Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation. ... May reduce heart disease risk. ... May protect your skin from the sun. ... Could improve brain function.

Is it OK to eat chocolate every day?

Nutritionists recommend consuming chocolate often, in small portions. The daily allowance for adult men and women without health problems is 30-50 grams of dark chocolate every day. With high physical exertion, an increase in the norm by 1.5 times is allowed.

What does chocolate do to females?

Eating chocolate leads to higher levels of desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction, according to a study from an Italian university reported in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Female participants who consumed at least one cube of chocolate a day experienced more active libidos and better overall sexual function than ...

What does chocolate do to your brain?

It Helps Release Endorphins In The Brain "Chocolate boosts the production of endorphins, better known as the 'feel-good' chemical of your brain," Culler says. After eating it, you may experience a more positive outlook, and possibly even a sense of "euphoria," all thanks to the way it impacts your hormones. Dr.

Is chocolate good for skin?

According to research, eating dark chocolate gives you a smoother skin texture, 25% less skin redness when exposed to the sun, and prolonged skin hydration. Flavonoids in chocolate help reflect harmful UV rays off your skin, preventing sunburn and conditions like skin cancer.

Which chocolate is best?

List of the 10 Best Chocolates Available in India – 2022RankZotezo ScoreBest Chocolates#19.3Ferrero Rocher Premium Chocolates Rs. 895 Buy Now#29Amul India Origin Dark Chocolate Out of Stock Check Now#38.4Fabelle Dark Choco Mousse Rs. 350 Rs. 241 Buy Now#48.2Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk Chocolate Bar Rs. 70 Rs. 66 Buy Now6 more rows•Sep 30, 2021

Which chocolate is healthy?

dark chocolateThe bottom line. Chocolate with over 70% cocoa packs the best punch for your health, but enjoy it in small amounts: 100 g of dark chocolate has 500 calories! Unsweetened chocolate is 100% cocoa. It's very bitter and only eaten as part of prepared baked goods.

Does chocolate make you fat?

Dark, milk, and white varieties of chocolate are high in fat and calories. The latter two types are typically also higher in added sugar. As such, chocolate could cause weight gain if eaten in large amounts too often.

Which dark chocolate is best?

Vit n Rich Dark Chocolate. This product is the Vit n Rich chocolate brand. ... Cadbury Bournville. This chocolate contains around 50 percent cocoa. ... Kit Kat Dark. This product is the Nestle. ... Godiva Dark Chocolate. ... Toblerone. ... Amul Dark chocolate. ... Hershey's Special Dark. ... Lindt Excellence 99% Cocoa.More items...•

Is dark chocolate better than milk chocolate?

“Dark chocolate has lower added sugar and fat than milk or white chocolate,” says Peart, while noting it also boasts an abundance of beneficial antioxidants called flavonoids. At their core, milk chocolate and dark chocolate have similar ingredients, including cocoa butter, sugar and cocoa solids.

Why is dark chocolate important?

The amount of cocoa solids in dark chocolate is important because it can be an indicator of the amount of dietary flavonoids, which are antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and certain drinks. Research suggests consuming more dietary flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Most dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, ...

How much do Americans spend on chocolate?

Every year, Americans spend $22 billion on chocolate, and it's a safe bet that Valentine's Day accounts for a decent percentage of that total. While a heart-shaped box of chocolates may seem like the opposite of healthy, experts say it's less about the occasional small indulgence and more about making good everyday food choices.

How to tell if dark chocolate has cocoa?

Shoppers can tell how much cocoa liquor is in a dark chocolate bar by looking for the "percent cacao" figure on the label . Cacao is the raw form of chocolate, while cocoa is the heated version of cacao. White chocolate, however, contains only cocoa butter – no cocoa solids – combined with sugar and other ingredients.

What percentage of cocoa is in milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate, the most popular type in America, typically contains about 10 percent cocoa liquor – the paste made from ground, roasted, shelled and fermented cocoa beans that contains both nonfat cocoa solids and cocoa butter – compared with a minimum of 35 percent found in dark chocolate.

How many calories are in a bar of dark chocolate?

A standard bar of dark chocolate with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao contains about 600 calories and 24 grams of sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient database. Milk chocolate contains roughly the same number of calories but twice the sugar.

Is flavanol safe to eat daily?

But that amount of flavanols "is unlikely achievable with daily consump tion of commercially available dark chocolate," Lichtenstein said. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston are currently studying whether a 600-mg daily supplement of cocoa flavanols can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Does dark chocolate lower LDL cholesterol?

In a 2017 study that closely controlled what people ate, researchers found that eating raw almonds, dark chocolate and cocoa helped lower "bad" LDL cholesterol in people who are overweight or obese. But when investigators took the almonds away, dark chocolate and cocoa alone didn't appear to aid heart health.

How much chocolate should I eat a day while pregnant?

Eating 30 g (about one ounce) of chocolate every day during pregnancy might benefit fetal growth and development, according to a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA.

Where does chocolate come from?

Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. Its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. After the European discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in the wider world, and its demand exploded. Chocolate has since become a popular food product that millions enjoy every day, ...

Does chocolate help with heart disease?

Research published in The BMJ, suggests that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third. Trusted Source. . Based on their observations, the authors concluded that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.

Does chocolate cause tooth decay?

Chocolate that is high in sugar can lead to tooth decay if eaten in excess. Chocolate may have health benefits, but it can have some negative effects, too. Weight gain: Some studies suggest that chocolate consumption is linked to lower body mass index ( BMI) and central body fat.

Does hot chocolate help with memory?

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people. The researchers found that hot chocolate helped improve blood flow to parts of the brain where it was needed.

Does cocoa help Alzheimer's?

Results of a lab experiment, published in 2014, indicated that a cocoa extract, called lavado, might reduce or prevent damage. Trusted Source. to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This extract could help slow symptoms such as cognitive decline.

Does chocolate cause migraines?

Migra ine risk: Some people may experience an increase in migraines when eating chocolate regularly due to cocoa’s tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine content. However, research is mixed. Bone health: There is some evidence that chocolate might cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis.

How long does chocolate help you lose weight?

One study found that chocolate could reduce body weight and BMI in healthy individuals, if taken at 30 grams a day or more between four and eight weeks. (Keep in mind, this was a small subgroup.)

How much chocolate should I eat a day?

One study from the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that chocolate could reduce body weight and BMI in healthy individuals if taken at 30 grams—that's one ounce —a day or more between four and eight weeks. (Keep in mind, this was a small subgroup.) The key here: Watch your portion sizes and stick to bars with more cocoa than sugar.

How much caffeine is in dark chocolate?

One ounce of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa has about 25 milligrams of caffeine. (For comparison, an eight-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams.) While it's not a ton, you might get the jolt if you're sensitive to the stimulant, so watch your intake close to bedtime.

Does dark chocolate increase calories?

It can increase your caloric intake. Shutterstock. There are many health benefits to dark chocolate, but if you don't stick to portion sizes, you could be consuming more calories than you'd like. Dark chocolate typically contains about 170 calories per ounce, which could add up if you go beyond a daily serving.

Does chocolate increase blood flow?

One study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association offers evidence that chocolate polyphenols can increase blood flow. By widening your blood vessels and increasing blood flow, it can help decrease your risk of blood clots, Msora-Kasago explains.

Does chocolate help with insulin resistance?

According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that a chocolate treat could help obese individuals at risk of insulin resistance by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. "For weight management, chocolate may play a role in reducing insulin resistance and keeping blood sugar levels in check," Msora-Kasago says. Be sure you're staying away from any of these 17 Worst Foods to Eat That Would Horrify Your Doctor!

Does dark chocolate have sugar?

Csatari elaborates that even if you get a bar that's technically dark chocolate, it could still have a significant amount of sugar (and the calories that come with it). Because sugar displaces the health-promoting cacao solids, indulging in a sugar-sweetened treat will minimize many of the health benefits you've come to learn about dark chocolate.

How much fiber is in dark chocolate?

It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals. A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains ( 1 ): 11 grams of fiber. 67% of the RDI for iron. 58% of the RDI for magnesium. 89% of the RDI for copper. 98% of the RDI for manganese. It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus,

What is dark chocolate?

Summary Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals. 2. Powerful Source of Antioxidants. ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity.”. It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods.

How long does it take for dark chocolate to cause redness?

The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks ( 19. Trusted Source.

Which fruit has the most antioxidants?

One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries ( 2 ). Summary Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of. powerful antioxidants.

Does dark chocolate lower blood pressure?

One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure. Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild ( 4. Trusted Source.

Is hot cocoa healthy?

If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. Also be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not healthy.

Is dark chocolate a good source of antioxidants?

Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others.

Improves brain health, prevents mental decline

Eating chocolate improves memory and other cognitive functions, and can even help prevent mental decline if consumed regularly, according to a study.

Chocolate may help combat diabetes

Chocolate seems like an unlikely ally in the fight against diabetes. But a key to fending off the disease may be found in your favorite chocolate bar, one study finds.

Eating chocolate with breakfast may help burn fat better

Eating chocolate for breakfast probably sounds like an express ticket to obesity, but it may be a healthier idea than many think. Researcher shows that swapping out eggs and bacon for some chocolate can actually lead to burning more fat and lowering blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Dark chocolate boosts mood, memory, immunity

Researchers say chocolate could potentially qualify as a “superfood.” According to two studies, the classic treat can reduce stress and inflammation while boosting mood, memory and immunity.

How many times a week can you eat dark chocolate?

Chocolate is high in calories, so you need to enjoy it in moderation. You can have about 1 ounce of dark chocolate no more than three times a week. Bars of chocolate are difficult to measure because the sizing is so variable, but to help with portions, look at the packaging to see how many ounces are in that bar.

What percentage of chocolate is milk?

Dark chocolate has anywhere from 50 to 90 percent cocoa solids, while milk chocolate is typically 10 to 30 percent. White chocolate is pure cocoa butter and doesn't offer you any health benefits. There's a lot going on in chocolate.

What are the three types of cacao beans?

There are three main varieties of cacao bean: Criollo from Latin America, Forastero from Africa, and Trinitario from the Caribbean.

What is raw cacao nibs?

Raw cacao nibs are crushed pieces of dried cacao beans, and when you grind them up you get cocoa paste, also called cocoa liquor. Cocoa solids are what you have once you remove the cocoa fat, or cocoa butter, from cocoa paste. When you dry cocoa solids, you get cocoa powder. Continued.

Where does chocolate come from?

Chocolate comes from the seeds of the cacao pod, which grows on the cacao tree. Theobroma cacao is native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, where it has grown for thousands of years. It was likely cultivated by the Olmecs and Maya peoples about 2,500 years ago. By about 2,000 years ago, the Maya were experienced cacao bean farmers, ...

Is dark chocolate good for you?

Dark chocolate has a good variety of minerals and polyphenolic compounds like antioxidants and flavonoids. Chocolate is especially rich in flavanols like epicatechin and catechin, as well as anthocyanins and phenolic acids.

Does dark chocolate have cocoa powder?

When you dry cocoa solids, you get cocoa powder. Continued. To get noticeable health benefits from chocolate, you need to eat more of the cocoa solids found in dark chocolate. Cocoa solids contain minerals and antioxidants; cocoa butter does not. Dark chocolate has a good variety of minerals and polyphenolic compounds like antioxidants ...

What percentage of women have chocolate cravings?

About 45 percent of women in the U.S. report that they have chocolate cravings, with a whopping 91 percent of female college students reporting regular cravings for it. Research shows that, unlike men, many women have feelings of guilt when eating this potentially “forbidden” food, or they fight the urge to eat it at all.

How much cacao is in dark chocolate?

Vizthum says that you should look for a minimally processed dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao content, and maybe have an ounce as an occasional treat. You should always check the label to be aware of the calorie, fat and sugar content, which could potentially affect the overall health benefit.

Does chocolate cause migraines?

For some people, chocolate can trigger acid reflux or migraines. In the end, Vizthum says, having a chocolate treat shouldn’t be fraught with stress or guilt, whether it is antioxidant-rich dark chocolate or white chocolate, which has very little nutritional benefit.

Does dark chocolate help with heart disease?

Increases heart health: The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure , reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.

Is chocolate good for you?

The Benefits of Having Your Chocolate and Eating It, Too. Having a healthy relationship with all foods is important for your mind and your body. But beginning or creating a balanced relationship with dark chocolate, in particular, may have a significantly positive impact on your overall health. Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants.

Can you sit in front of a TV with a chocolate candies?

Don’t sit in front of the TV with your hand in a bottomless bowl of chocolate candies. Instead, be mindful of when and why you are eating it.

Does flavonol help the immune system?

Balances the immune system: Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.

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