Chocolate Benefits For Health
The health benefits of chocolate include active heart function, mood elevation, proper brain and nervous function, and stress relief, among others.
This world famous food really needs no introduction. But there are plenty of people that don’t know some of the most interesting facts about this delicious sweet! I will just tell you that it is equally dear to the young and the old and to men and women and that you will be surprised to know that your favorite cocoa has been in for more than 3000 years!
The three essential components of chocolate are cocoa (scientific name – Theobroma cacao L.), milk, and sugar and that this mouthwatering treat can be very beneficial for your health. Want to know what some of those benefits are? Why not continue reading for all the sweet details?
Chocolate Health Benefits
The health benefits of chocolate include the following:
Improves Oxidation
Polyphenols like catechins, epicatechins, procyandins (components of Flavonoids), and vitamin-C present in cocoa are very good antioxidants. They minimize the effects of free radicals and heal up the damage already caused by these dangerous cellular byproducts. They are also very effective in preventing age-related disorders such as loss of vision and hearing, dullness of the brain, macular degeneration, and nervous disorders.
Treats Cough & Cold
Cocoa, again due to vitamin-C, alkaloids, and flavonoids present in it, gives relief from coughs and colds. The fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid in it relieves throat sore due to continuous coughing and colds.
Improves Energy Levels
Fatty acids like stearic acid and palmitic acid (both saturated) and oleic acid (unsaturated) help put on weight and give energy, without the risk of accumulating cholesterol, as far as pure cocoa is concerned. When cocoa is made into chocolate, the amount of cholesterol you get depends on the type of milk (toned, semi-toned or full cream) and milk products (butter, milk solids) used in it and the exercises you do. The sugar in chocolate also gives energy and relaxes the body.
Antidepressant
Cocoa contains caffeine (although not as much as coffee) which is an alkaloid, theobromine and phenylethylamine (an amine, particularly known to be anti-depressant) all of which are stimulant in nature. They are very effective as mood elevators and anti-depressants. Cocoa also contains Tryptophan, an amino acid which has relaxing effects. This has soothing and refreshing effects in cases of tension and stress.
Manages Diabetes
Dark and sugar-free chocolate (cocoa) is very bitter to taste due to the presence of alkaloids like caffeine and others. The bitterness of these alkaloids neutralizes the sugar in the blood. Moreover, being a stimulant in nature, they stimulate the secretion of bile and insulin, which again help to break down the sugar and lower its levels in the blood.
Prevents Cancer
Flavonoids in cocoa are good anti-carcinogens. They prevent the growth of cancerous cells. This is aided by their antioxidant properties, which also help neutralize carcinogenic effects of free radicals.
Maintains Nervous System
Chocolate contains vitamin-C and antioxidant flavonoids whose main components are polyphenols like catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins that prevent the brain and the nervous systems from becoming dull with age, while also protecting them from damage by free radicals. They also increase serotonin levels in the brain, which increases efficiency of the brain, keeping it active and sharp. They are also helpful in the treatment of nervous disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Flavonoids in cocoa contain polyphenols like catechins, epicatechins, and procyandins, which have been seen to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, which helps in maintaining proper blood pressure. Nitric oxide is particularly helpful in preventing thickening or coagulation (clotting) of blood and maintaining fluidity, thereby decreasing pressure on the arteries and veins and finally regulating blood pressure. One more compound, Theobromine is slightly diuretic in nature. This promotes urinating, which also helps in lowering high blood pressure. Potassium in cocoa is also helpful in lowering blood pressure. On the other hand, in case of people suffering from low blood pressure, the stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, as well as the sugar present in chocolate, helps elevate blood pressure to correct levels.
Improves Heart Function
Flavonoids such as epicatechin and gallic acid are very effective in keeping the heart healthy, particularly against age and stress. Stearic acid, in spite of being a saturated fatty acid found in cocoa, do not contribute to cholesterol levels and can even reduce the possibility of heart attacks. The antioxidant properties of the flavonoids also protect the heart against damages inflicted by the free radicals.
