Resisting the temptation of chocolate and related products has always been a Herculean task for people. But the question persists, whether chocolate is a boon or bane for our body? To answer this question today’s blog post focuses on merits and demerits that chocolate has to offer. With Chocolate Day around the corner, you can decide for yourself, what’s better for your body.
The Good side: Benefits of Chocolate
1. Dark chocolate is found to be rich in flavonoids, antioxidant that helps in prevention of cell damage. Antioxidants help us in fighting free radicals, hence lowering the risk of heart diseases and cancer. According to research antioxidants in dark chocolate may help lower some forms of bad (LDL) cholesterol when combined with other foods like almonds and cocoa.
2. It is seen that dark chocolate can help in improving the heart health. Moreover, a study done by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that people who ate dark chocolate five times a week reported a 57% lower risk of heart disease. Eating chocolate can help in lowering of cholesterol levels and preventing decline of cognitive function as well.
3. It has been presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. that eating 30g of chocolate can improve fetal growth and development.
4. Researchers emphasize that dark chocolate may enhance oxygen availability in the blood. Hence, it can prove to be a boon for athletes. This study was published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
The Bad side: Drawbacks of Chocolate
1. According to the Consumers Reports aired on December 2022, dark chocolate has reports about containing a large number of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. These metals can disrupt the bodily functions by directly affecting the organs. One needs to be careful while choosing a chocolate brand and refer to consumer reports.
2. Caffeine content in chocolate although neglected by many, can lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances. One should avoid consuming chocolate in the evening, replace chocolate with better food choices, like fruits, berries etc.
3. Chocolates possess a high calorie count due to added sugar and fat content, resulting to a deranged BMI (body mass index) and higher central body fat. Sugar content canbecome a reason for tooth decay. Eating dark chocolate is not a solution as well, because most of the useful ingredients are lost during the manufacturing process.
4. It is quoted by Medical News today that, “There is some evidence that chocolate might cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis. The results of one study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that older women who consumed chocolate every day had lower bone density and strength.”
To conclude, the answer lies in moderation. By moderating the intake of chocolate (best choice being dark chocolate having 70% cocoa and less added sugar) and inclusion of various other food products in diet, can mitigate the risks that come with chocolate. As a bonus, we may also receive its benefits. So, go ahead and indulge in a piece of dark chocolate now and then – your body and taste buds will thank you!
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