Appropriately addressed as sinful delight, chocolate being a delicacy we hate to resist, has always been held responsible and disregarded owing to a speedy weight gain and large amounts of calories uptake. However, for a considerable period now, chocolate has been scientifically proved to be healthy owing to the various positive impacts it has on skin protection, prevention of cardiovascular functions and brain functions. Their consumption has helped improve mood and behavioral disorders, justifying the functional role of chocolates in the regulation of cognitive functions.
When referring to chocolates, it is worth considering that dark chocolate, in particular, has contributed significantly to various benefits to our health. Essentially derived from cacao beans, dark chocolate is composed of various chemicals with medicinal properties. Among its constituents, polyphenols and flavonoids, contribute to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of chocolates thereby, helping to monitor blood pressure levels, prevention of cancer, prevention of clotting of blood and regulation of blood cholesterol levels.
Apart from all the beneficial effects of dark chocolate in healthcare, these sweet temptations are capable of boosting our mood and protect us from anxiety and depression. Associated with the release of chemicals such as endorphins responsible for eliciting feelings of pleasure, calmness and content, dark chocolate can help us drive away thoughts of sorrow. Also, serotonin, another important chemical in the body, an effective anti-depressant, helps uplift our mood. Ongoing scientific research has also suggested dark chocolate with high proportions of polyphenol content, known for its anti-oxidative properties further strengthens its mood enhancing characteristics.
The stimulation of the brain areas monitoring the control of emotions such as pleasure, happiness, sadness or anger is mediated by the uptake of dark chocolate. Because of the diverse impact of dark chocolate in brain functions and keeping ourselves in good health, it has been recommended that a good quality dark chocolate with a greater proportion of cocoa and anti-oxidants in its constitution must be chosen for consumption. In the selfish interests of keeping a safe distance from depression, it will, however, never be recommended that we switch to a complete diet of dark chocolate. Treating oneself to an excessive amount of dark chocolate has been linked with incidence of excess weight gain, migraine attacks, digestion problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, and risks of developing kidney stones. Also, the presence of caffeine in many dark chocolates could be associated with various detrimental effects on our health.
The consumption of dark chocolate should, therefore, be restricted to not more than an ounce of it per day. This restricted amount of regular consumption of dark chocolate could help keep oneself in a good mood, also keep the heart and mind happy and healthy. However, another commonly made mistake by us in consuming dark chocolate with milk nullifies all the positive effects of the former. Milk competes for the absorption of anti-oxidants derived from the dissolved dark chocolate, preventing any of it to be supplied to the body.
The nutritive value of dark chocolate is attributed largely to a high percentage of cocoa in it, ranging from 30-80%, thereby, making it a healthier choice over milk or white chocolate. The lesser the concentration of cocoa in a chocolate bar, the lower is its therapeutic value. Milk chocolate in contrast to dark chocolate is primarily made up of milk solids and contains less of cocoa. Thus, the risks of gall bladder diseases and heartburns are generally attributed to the consumption of milk chocolate more often than to dark chocolate. What is more surprising is the false notion we hold about white chocolate in our heads for which the term chocolate would itself be a misnomer. Essentially composed of milk solids and fat, without cocoa or any other anti-oxidants, white chocolate has no contribution to make in maintaining good health, rather it does play a role in increasing the waistline.
When it comes to food, we always tend to look for options which would not only be healthy but would also stimulate our taste buds. Due to the constant conflict in our heads to not compromise on health yet keep ourselves happy, we have often pushed aside chocolates knowing how fast we could add on calories. But, it is high time we consider, that measured proportions of chocolate, when eaten, will help keep the mind calm, free of anxiety or depressive thoughts. It will not be responsible for normal functioning of the brain alone, but positively impact the vital systems of the body keeping us in good mood and good health.
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