Chocolate's Health Benefits

Chocolate is usually thought of as candy. It's good, tasty, sweet, but also bad for you. Chocolate has long been believed to have no nutritional or health value. Hence, the toss into the junk food pile. Recent studies have found that chocolate actually does provide health benefits and some on the same level as fruits and vegetables. Perhaps chocolate isn't junk food after all.

One of chocolate's health benefits is that it is high in antioxidants. It contains polyphenols antioxidants which prevent free radicals from destroying the body. Antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease, aging, and some cancers. Cocoa powder contains the highest level of polyphenols followed by dark chocolate. One bar of chocolate can contain as many antioxidants as a glass of wine.

Chocolate's health benefits also promote healthy blood flow and pressure. Studies have found that chocolate contains flavonoids which prevent the clogging of the arteries. Flavonoids are plant compounds that function like antioxidants. In chocolate they are referred to as flavonols. Within chocolate, flavonols have the same effect as a low dose of aspirin. However, scientists are quick to point out that chocolate should not be substituted for aspirin because it is not as powerful.

Chocolate's health benefits also include increase in alertness, happiness, and reduction of anxiety. Chocolate has been found to contain chemicals which affect the brains' neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters control mood, feelings, and emotions. The chemicals found in chocolate (tryptophan, phenylethylamine and anandamide) promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. They also speed up the production of endorphins which are the producers of the body's natural high.

Chocolate's health benefits include healthy fats. A third of the fat in chocolate is made up of a healthy fat called stearic acid which is cholesterol friendly. Another third of the fat in chocolate is an unsaturated fat called oelic acid. Chocolate is not completely fat friendly. The more processing chocolate undergoes the greater the addition of unhealthy fats.

Besides being tasty, Chocolate has many redeeming qualities. It is rich in antioxidants which provide several health benefits. However, processing decreases the level of antioxidants and flavonols. When choosing chocolate, stick to dark chocolate or chocolate with a high cocoa content in order to receive maximum benefits. Too much sugar and fat will only cancel out chocolate's health benefits.


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Schmidt, Patti. Chocolate's Potential Health Benefits-and its Effects on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. ImmuneSupport.com. March 29, 2002. 8 September 2006. .