Health Benefits
The health benefits of chocolate have long been known among ancient cultures. Non-sweetened cocoa drinks were attributed to the longevity and virility of many prominent South American kings and chiefs. In fact the word ‘chocolate’ is associated with the Mayan god of fertility. Today chocolate is seen as a daily delicacy that can be easy accessed in stores yet little is understood by the general public relating to its health benefits.
Chocolate is often used as a ‘comfort snack’ and modern science has verified that this delicacy may have a significant effect as a mood enhancer. The brain hormones serotonin and dopamine which are responsible for our moods have been shown to be influenced by the eating of chocolate. Chemical analysis of cocoa, the main raw ingredient of chocolate, has been shown to contain significant amounts of dopamine and other compounds that may increase the levels of mood enhancing hormones.
Some interesting studies have verified the range of health benefits of chocolate include :
While many studies have verified the benefits of chocolate in conditions ranging from circulatory disorders to cough prevention and potential use as an aphrodisiac, chocolate has received some bad press in its association with obesity. To clarify this point, it is not cocoa itself that contributes to weight gain due to high calorie intake. The added sugar and fatty derivatives to maintain the solidity of chocolate bars contributes to the high calorie intake.
Darker chocolates with low sugar levels may often be of greater benefit due to its low calorie content.
In a society rife with social and interpersonal relationships, the incidence of mood disorders like anxiety and depression are significantly high. Chocolate and cocoa products may be a healthy alternative to anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs for stabilizing the moods.
The health benefits of chocolate have long been known among ancient cultures. Non-sweetened cocoa drinks were attributed to the longevity and virility of many prominent South American kings and chiefs. In fact the word ‘chocolate’ is associated with the Mayan god of fertility. Today chocolate is seen as a daily delicacy that can be easy accessed in stores yet little is understood by the general public relating to its health benefits.
Chocolate is often used as a ‘comfort snack’ and modern science has verified that this delicacy may have a significant effect as a mood enhancer. The brain hormones serotonin and dopamine which are responsible for our moods have been shown to be influenced by the eating of chocolate. Chemical analysis of cocoa, the main raw ingredient of chocolate, has been shown to contain significant amounts of dopamine and other compounds that may increase the levels of mood enhancing hormones.
Some interesting studies have verified the range of health benefits of chocolate include :
1. Reducing blood pressure (Pubmed : The Zutphen Elderly Study)
2. As an antioxidant (Pubmed) in which it was shown that chocolate is more beneficial than red wine or herbal teas.
3. Insulin resistance in diabetics (American Heart Association)
While many studies have verified the benefits of chocolate in conditions ranging from circulatory disorders to cough prevention and potential use as an aphrodisiac, chocolate has received some bad press in its association with obesity. To clarify this point, it is not cocoa itself that contributes to weight gain due to high calorie intake. The added sugar and fatty derivatives to maintain the solidity of chocolate bars contributes to the high calorie intake.
Darker chocolates with low sugar levels may often be of greater benefit due to its low calorie content.
In a society rife with social and interpersonal relationships, the incidence of mood disorders like anxiety and depression are significantly high. Chocolate and cocoa products may be a healthy alternative to anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs for stabilizing the moods.
