Have you ever thought about how your favorite chocolate bar is made or if there is any research going on for the development of the next chocolate? I haven’t. I’m just interested in eating it. However, I want to know the benefits of chocolate. At least this way, I and millions of others can feel a bit guilt-free, knowing that we might be doing something good for our bodies when snacking.
Main Ingredients The main ingredient in chocolate is ‘flavanols,’ a type of flavonoid found in cocoa with antioxidant properties that can help increase blood flow, particularly benefiting cardiovascular health. Other types of flavonoids are found in fruits, vegetables, red wine, and green tea, for example. Research suggests that the rich flavanol content in cocoa beans can be beneficial; for instance, it may contribute to improved cardiovascular health (Science Daily US).
Chocolate Myths Research has also worked to dispel myths about chocolate. It is not a trigger for acne, allergies, or migraines. However, as it contains caffeine, consuming hot chocolate before bedtime may not be conducive to a good night’s sleep, unlike what was previously believed. Yet, the amount of caffeine in chocolate is lower compared to decaffeinated coffee.
Nutritional Benefits Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not contribute to high cholesterol. In fact, dark chocolate may reduce LDL cholesterol levels (Chocolate Manufacturers Association). A study conducted by the National Institute of Public Health in the Netherlands claims that dark chocolate contains four times more antioxidants than green tea. Though too much excitement should be avoided, as chocolate often contains cocoa butter, saturated fat, and added sugar, making green tea a consistently healthier choice.
Mood Enhancer According to the Harvard School of Public Health, regular chocolate consumption may be linked to a longer lifespan. However, moderation is key. I have heard that consuming at least 50% cocoa dark chocolate daily could be beneficial. Mentally, chocolate can enhance mood; it increases serotonin and endorphin levels, providing that feel-good factor. Unfortunately, it can also be highly addictive, and that’s where the advice of “moderation is key” comes in.
Chocolate and Sun Recent research from the Journal of Nutrition suggests that eating dark chocolate may protect the skin from sun damage, increase blood flow to the skin, and reduce dryness. Again, moderation and good dark chocolate are essential. Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, potassium, and zinc, depending on its quality and how it’s made.
Energy Booster Chocolate is a good energy booster. During wartime, an American chocolate manufacturer sent chocolate bars to soldiers. This happened during both World War I and World War II. It nourished the troops due to its high fat content and nutritional elements, helping them stay alert due to its caffeine content.
Delicious Chocolate Cocoa was essentially used as a sweetener in ancient Mayan diets instead of sugar. The Mayans referred to it as the ‘food of the gods,’ and cocoa paste was praised for its sharpness and occasionally flavoured with chili. Today, the Mexicans have a famous sauce made from cocoa paste, called mole. The flavor is not sweet, but it can be both sharp and savoy. So, if you ever come across a recipe that combines chocolate and chicken, don’t be discouraged. It could be a flavourful and nutritious dish!
Final Thoughts Unfortunately, for my and others’ excessive chocolate consumption, the bottom line is that chocolate is only healthy in limited amounts, specifically dark chocolate with more than 50% cocoa.
Chocolate Trivia Switzerland tops the list of countries with the highest per capita chocolate consumption, followed by Austria and Ireland. The United Kingdom ranks 7th. If you want to enjoy chocolate and alcohol together, the best pairing is white chocolate with champagne or sparkling wine; red wine pairs well with rich chocolate. We tend to consume more chocolate in winter than in other seasons. 66% of chocolate consumption happens during the day, while 22% occurs between 8 PM and midnight. (World Chocolate Atlas).