The benefits of chocolate for health

 

 

 

Chocolate has long been known to contain antioxidants that help boost the body's immunity, and has been known for its role in improving mood and treating depression. Learn about its benefits:

 

The most recent health concern recently is what relates to the issue of chocolate benefits, and can it be consumed in reasonable quantities, with positive effects on the health of the body and its various organs, especially if it is dark in color?

 

 

The nutritional value of chocolate

 

This interest stemmed from the scientists ’observation that the people of Central America famous for cocoa, which is their main drink, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, which is the main cause of heart disease and strokes.

Chocolate is one of the products manufactured primarily from cocoa, and many brands have sought to link the benefits of chocolate, especially the dark ones, to the many benefits of cocoa, which mainly include protection against cancer, relieve stress and improve mood.

Cocoa is a good source of many minerals, including: iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc. It also contains powerful antioxidants such as Catechins and Procyanidins.

It is important to know that chocolate contains about 700 different types of antioxidants from the family of flavonoids and the family of tuberminines, who contribute to the production of a substance called nitrate oxide, which leads to the expansion of blood vessels. It also helps prevent blood clotting and inflammation of the blood vessels. And theobromine helps revitalize the work of the kidneys and the heart, as well as leads to the expansion of blood vessels and prevent inflammation and accumulation of fluids.

I have done a lot of research regarding the validity of allegations about the true benefits of chocolate, and among these research and studies is what the British Diabetes Association (BDA) has done in cooperation with the British Ministry of Health NHS to examine the truth of the allegations about chocolate and what evidence thereof. The summaries were as follows:

 

 

The truth of the benefits of dark chocolate

 

1- Blood pressure

Research conducted well in 2012 concluded that the best available evidence for the effects of chocolate on blood pressure is that cocoa products - including dark chocolate - may help lower blood pressure slightly. However, most studies were of short duration (between two to eight weeks) and there were some weaknesses in the research available. The authors of the review stated that long-term experiments are still needed to further our understanding of the health of cocoa's effect on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

 

2- Cancer

Some laboratory research conducted on animals in which a cocoa-rich diet has been followed indicates the possibility of providing protection against bowel cancer when consuming cocoa regularly. However, it is impossible to conclude from laboratory research categorically that cocoa can protect humans against bowel cancer.

 

3- Stress and tension

In a small study in 2009, on 30 healthy subjects, who consumed 40 g of dark chocolate every day for 14 days, a noticeable decrease in stress hormones was seen. However, this study, funded by the chocolate manufacturer, was of short duration and did not provide sufficient evidence that chocolate had any benefits or effects on stress.

 

 

What do nutritionists say?

 

Chocolate is nutritionally not seen as a cocoa content only, but rather is fat, sugars, proteins and caffeine in addition to many minerals and antioxidants, and a good amount of calories, and of course we cannot deny the set of health benefits resulting from the consumption of cocoa products, especially as Related to cardiovascular disease, however, the potential health benefits of some compounds in chocolate should take into account the ingredients of chocolate as a whole.

Chocolate is one of the foods rich in energy, which can contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity-related diseases if their intake is not controlled, and they may be a source of saturated fats and cholesterol in many cases, especially since the source of these saturated fats may come from the milk used to make them. However, on the contrary, chocolate may be part of a healthy diet, if the allowable portion of it is calculated according to the condition of who will eat it.