Sweet, delicious and so addictive... Chocolate is one of the world's most popular foods. But is it really bad for your health? We are talking about one of the world's most popular and beloved foods. Its delicious taste and intoxicating aroma make it an irresistible temptation for many people.
Chocolate, however, also has a bad reputation as an unhealthy food for several reasons. Firstly, it is high in calories and sugars, secondly, it is a concentrated source of calories, and thirdly, the added sugar is a risk factor for obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Be aware that this food is not necessarily bad for your health. In this post, we will explore the curiosities about chocolate and answer the question of whether it is really bad for your health.
A delicacy of nature
Chocolate is obtained from the seeds of the cacao tree, which is native to Central America. The Mayans and Aztecs were the first to cultivate and consume cocoa, in fact, they considered it a sacred drink and used it in religious ceremonies.
It arrived in Europe in the 16th century and quickly became a popular food among the aristocracy. In the 19th century, chocolate became more accessible to middle-class people and its consumption spread around the world.
Today, chocolate remains a popular food, but it is also the subject of controversy. Some people believe it is a health food, while others believe it is a sinful treat.
Surprising properties
Chocolate has been enjoyed for centuries, but in addition to its taste, it also has a number of nutritional properties that can be beneficial to your health. Let's mention them below:
- Fibre
Chocolate is a good source of fibre, an essential nutrient that helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Fibre helps regulate intestinal transit, prevent constipation and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Protein
This food contains proteins that are essential for tissue growth and repair. The proteins in chocolate are of high quality, which means that they contain all the essential amino acids the body needs.
- Minerals
It is a good source of minerals, such as iron, magnesium and zinc. Iron is important for the transport of oxygen in the blood, while magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and, finally, zinc is essential for the immune system.
- Flavonoids
Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from free radical damage.
Benefits of chocolate
There is no doubt, chocolate contains a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. These compounds confer a number of properties and health benefits, including:
- Antioxidant potential
It contains a variety of antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. In other words, it protects the body from unstable molecules that often cause cell damage leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- Cardioprotective effect
It may help reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because the antioxidants in chocolate are able to reduce inflammation and improve vascular function.
- Improving cardiovascular health
The flavonoids in chocolate can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, raise HDL ("good") cholesterol, and improve blood vessel function. This translates into a reduced chance of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
- Optimises mood
Chocolate improves mood because it contains phenylethylamine, a chemical produced in the brain that is associated with feelings of pleasure.
- Protecting the brain
This food is also able to help protect the brain from damage, as its antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
- Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
A review of 20 studies found that people who consumed dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who did not consume chocolate.
The risk of type 2 diabetes was 21% lower for people who consumed 20 grams of dark chocolate per day than for people who did not consume chocolate.
Is it really bad for health?
Chocolate is a calorie food and excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain. It also contains caffeine, a component that can cause insomnia or anxiety in some people.
However, dark chocolate, which is characterised by a high percentage of cocoa, is a good choice for people looking for a healthy food. It is also a good source of antioxidants and provides a number of health benefits, provided it is consumed in moderation.
In moderation, chocolate can be a delicious and healthy way to enjoy life's pleasures. Here are some tips on how to enjoy chocolate in a healthy way:
- Choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%). Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than milk chocolate.
- Limit your intake to 25 grams per day. This equals approximately one ounce.
- Enjoy chocolate as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusions
The short answer to the question of whether chocolate is good or bad for your health is that it depends. Chocolate can be a healthy food, but it can also be harmful if consumed in excess.
The health benefits of chocolate are mainly attributed to flavonoids, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds can help protect cells from free radical damage.
It is important to consume chocolate in moderation, as it is high in calories and sugar. It is recommended to limit chocolate consumption to 25 grams per day. It is also essential to choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) because it contains more flavonoids than milk chocolate.