Can you imagine a Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Go ahead, have some! Good quality dark chocolate is not unhealthy.

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate has some very impressive health qualities. However, the secret lies in the type of chocolate and the quantity of chocolate consumed. Some types contain more fat and sugar than anything else, and these types you should avoid. Much of the chocolate consumed today is in the form of sweet chocolate, combining cocoa solids, cocoa butter (or other fat) and sugar. Milk chocolate is sweet chocolate that additionally contains milk powder or condensed milk. White chocolate contains cocoa butter, sugar and milk but no cocoa solids.

Good quality, dark chocolate is in a class of its own! Unsweetened chocolate (bitter chocolate) contains primarily cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions.

Cocoa solids contain polyphenolic flavonoids, which:

    • Have antioxidant qualities
    • Improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels
    • Reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing ischaemia
    • Lower cholesterol levels in the blood by inhibiting the production of high-density cholesterol
    • Reduce insulin resistance
    • Decrease the risk of clotting by slowing down platelet aggregation.

But that’s not all! Here are some other benefits to be derived from eating chocolate in moderation:

    • Chocolate makes you feel good. It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain, which is way many people experience a mood lift when they eat chocolate
    • Some research found that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure
    • Two of the fats in cocoa butter are oleic and stearic acid, which have a positive effect on the heart. They increase the good cholesterol (LDL) in the body, helping to prevent heart disease
    • A study in Sweden showed that chocolate may reduce the risk of stroke in women
    • In a study at Yale University it was found that chocolate consumption during pregnancy may lower the risk of pre-eclampsia.

A little versus a lot

Although it has been proven that chocolate is no longer a diet taboo, researchers warn that it should be taken in moderation only. Check the labels on chocolate for its cocoa and flavonoid content to make sure that you buy a healthier option.

Remember, following a balanced diet is the key to nutritional health.

 

Sources

http://my.clevelandclinic.org
www.webmd.com
www.wikipedia.com