It’s quite acceptable from a health standpoint to indulge in a little chocolate once in awhile. Everyone seems to love chocolate – there’s a popular saying that nine out of ten people love chocolate, and that tenth person is lying.
Why does chocolate have such a negative reputation as an unhealthy food, and do we really need to feel guilty about eating it? Fortunately, the answer is that it’s not inherently bad for us as we’ve been led to believe. If the chocolate consists of 70% cocoa or higher, it’s actually good for us. However, whether or not it’s truly healthy depends on the quantity and the quality of the chocolate you eat.
Let’s consider the health benefits of chocolate. You probably feel like you get a bit of a rush from eating chocolate. You’re not imagining it – chocolate contains a phyto-nutrient that acts as an endorphin in humans, producing a pleasurable sensation akin to a “runner’s high.”
Chocolate can almost be considered antidepressant for its effects on mood, so it’s not surprising that many people reach for a chocolate bar when they’re feeling down. One Swiss study found that those who ate 40g of dark chocolate a day displayed lowered levels of stress hormones in their bloodstreams, making them more resistant to the effects of stress.
There have been many studies conducted on the health benefits of dark chocolate and they’ve turned up some surprising results. One Swedish experiment proved that those who ate chocolate at least twice a week after a heart attack were three times more likely to survive over the following eight-year period.
In addition, a Canadian study showed that risk of stroke was decreased in individuals who ate chocolate once a week in relation to those who didn’t.
The benefits of chocolate are imparted by compounds called flavinoids, which are present in the cocoa. These flavinoids act as a potent anti-oxidant in the human body, protecting our DNA from damage from oxidation. This effect means that chocolate could potentially be considered an anti-aging food.
So don’t feel guilty about eating a little chocolate on Easter, or any other day, for that matter. Of course, it’s still best to eat chocolate in moderation; a full bar every day is too much. You’ll also want to find chocolate composed of 70% cocoa or more, and organic chocolate is great if it’s available to you.
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