Many people, young and old, think that chocolate is bad for them, there are many reasons for this, and the main ones are probably the high fat and sugar content.
Research has found that chocolate can actually be good for you. It may prevent free radical damage, which can lead to cancer, prevent heart disease, enhance our immune system and give a feeling of well-being.
Newest research has found that chocolate contains lots of antioxidants called
Flavonoids. In a forty – gram serving of chocolate, there are 400 – milligrams of
Flavonoids. These relax the inner surface of blood vessels, which is important to keep the blood pressure down and preventing hardening of the arteries.
Also present in chocolate are phenylthylamines, which are a class of chemicals that contain amphetamines and ecstasy, which are stimulants. To get high on chocolate you would have to eat twenty-seven pounds at one sitting, not to be recommended!
There are many myths and tales about chocolate we are told when we are young.
A few myths seem to be quite popular. It is not true that chocolate causes acne or tooth decay (if you brush your teeth properly, that is); raises blood cholesterol levels; or is addictive (not in the same sense as nicotine, alcohol e.t.c.).
There is a substance in chocolate that inhibits the germs that promote plaque. Antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset the high sugar content of chocolate and reduce the chances of cavities. Compared to foods with the same sugar content, chocolate is less harmful to teeth.
It may interest you to know that the highest period of consumption is between eight o clock pm and midnight. Chocolate is also eaten more in the winter than in the summer.
According to some US research, people who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times a month live almost a year longer than those who eat too much or those who steer clear of the substance altogether.
Chocolate itself is not bad. Eating it will not adversely affect your health or put you at risk for any diseases or health problems. While it is rich in calories and saturated fat, moderate chocolate intake can be part of a healthy diet. What this means that if your diet is well balanced and healthy then occasionally indulging in chocolate is not a bad thing to do. Logically, if your main food is chocolate, it will be bad for you because you won’t get enough of the various nutrients you need to maintain a level of good health.
Hopefully this will relieve you of some of those guilty feelings. I have found an interesting and quick “Ten reasons for eating chocolate.” (Taken from .) This can be used as a quick reference list, find out more by visiting the website written above.
