Chocoholics celebrate every new study demonstrating the benefits of life’s little pleasure. But chocolate indeed plays both sides when it comes to health: it is full of antioxidants, but many varieties also include a large amount of sugar.
In this article we want to be clear, we are going to determine its pros and those against it so that there are no doubts about its consumption.
Most of the chocolate’s benefits come from cocoa, specifically the flavonoids in cocoa. They are responsible for the flavor of different types of chocolates, and they also protect your body from a series of diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Thanks to flavonoids, scientists have linked cocoa consumption to health benefits:
1. It can delay memory loss
As we age, we can suffer from memory loss. However, a study found cocoa flavonoids could stop memory loss, but it must be made clear that they are normal aspects of aging, this does not include serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
2. It can strengthen the heart.
Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, two important aspects to keep in mind for a healthy heart.
3. It can help with stress
Dark chocolate helps regulate stress, so you may want to keep a small ounce on display.
4. May reduce the risk of diabetes
The polyphenols in chocolate help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin resistance, which ultimately reduces the risk of diabetes.
There is an important caveat when talking about the benefits of cocoa: Not all chocolates are created equal. Processing, as well as the addition of sugar and dairy products in milk chocolate, can wipe out the positive points in nutrition. Therefore, before eating it, make sure of its ingredients.
Cons:
1. It can be addictive
Like most desserts, chocolate can be hard to give up. And a recent study found they were the most addictive foods for teenagers. As with everything, moderation is key, even if chocolate has some impressive health benefits.
2. It can cause anxiety
If you overindulge in chocolate, you could deal with its side effects, such as anxiety, dehydration, irritability, and nervousness.
3. It can be bad for your skin.
If you’re prone to acne, consuming too much chocolate can make things worse, thanks to the high fat content of most milk and white chocolate. Furthermore, the decrease in estrogen can lead to the appearance of pimples.
4. It can cause kidney stones
Its oxalate content can cause problems with the formation of kidney stones. However, only those who are at risk of developing them need to worry.
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