Chocolate facts

Do you feel guilty after eating some chocolate?

Probably, next time you eat a piece of chocolate, you may not have to feel overly guilty about it, at least, not at all. 

Despite its bad reputation for causing weight gain, there are a number of health benefits associated with this delicious treat.

Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. The earliest use of chocolate dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica, and after the discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in Europe, and its demand exploded.

Since then, chocolate has become an incredibly popular and loved food product that millions eats everyday for its unique, rich, and sweet taste, and also the healthy benefits of it.

The potential health benefits of chocolate

 Today, chocolate is lauded for its tremendous antioxidant potential.Throughout the years, chocolate has been on the end of a lot of bad press because of its fat content, and its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. 

The potential benefits of eating chocolate are said to include: lowering cholesterol levels, preventing cognitive decline, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Chocolate may lower cholesterol levels

Chocolate consumption may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition was carried out to determine whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols (PS) and cocoa flavanols (CF) have any effect on cholesterol levels.³

The study authors wrote "results indicate that regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF as part of a low-fat diet may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure."

Chocolate may prevent memory decline

Scientists at Harvard Medical School suggest that drinking 2 cups of hot chocolate a day may help keep the brain healthy and prevent memory decline in older people. The researchers said that hot chocolate can help preserve blood flow in working areas of the brain.

Chocolate may reduce heart disease risk

Research published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) has suggested that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart diseaseby one third. The report was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris, France.

Chocolate may prevent stroke

Canadian scientists carried out a study involving 44,489 people and found that people eating chocolate were 22% less likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't. In addition, those who had a stroke but regularly consumed chocolate were 46% less likely to die as a result.

Teens who eat lots of chocolate tend to be slimmer. Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain found that high chocolate intake among teenagers is linked with lower levels of total fat, compared to those who do not each much chocolate, even when accounting for other factors (including exercise).

Chocolate, wine and berries may protect against type 2 diabetes. Consuming high levels of flavonoids, which is found in chocolate, tea, berries and wine, could significantly help protect against type 2 diabetes, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Chocolate could prevent obesity and diabetes, study suggests. Researchers discovered that a certain antioxidant in cocoa - the main ingredient in chocolate - prevented mice from gaining weight and lowered their blood sugar levels. Their study was published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry in February 2014.

Could a cocoa extract prevent Alzheimer's?

Researchers found that a cocoa extract - called lavado - may reduce or block damage to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This means that symptoms of the condition - such as cognitive decline - could be prevented.

Some risks and precautions

Chocolate has a high calorie count, containing large amounts of sugar. Therefore, if you are trying to slim down or maintain your weight, it may be a good idea to set a limit on your chocolate consumption. The large amount of sugar in most chocolates can also be a cause of tooth decay.

In addition, there is research suggesting that chocolate may cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis.