Exploring The Health Benefits Of Chocolate

By Author: Hugh Nguyen
Total Articles: 2
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When it comes to protecting our health, at times it seems that there is nothing but bad news. However, some new studies suggest that chocolate may actually be somewhat of a health food, great news indeed for those of us with a high functioning sweet tooth.

It seems that many of the ingredients in chocolate may have important health benefits, beginning with cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate. Cocoa contains healthful phytochemicals known as flavonoids, which are also found in red wine and green tea, as well as in fruits and vegetables. These flavonoids contain antioxidants, which are thought to be effective at preventing and even reversing the damage done by free radicals.

Chocolate also contains tryptophan, a brain chemical which is used to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which has been proven to have antidepressant qualities. Serotonin also helps to produce feelings of well being, and it is well known that this brain chemical helps to elevate and regulate mood. This means that chocolate can benefit you mentally as well as physically.

Other substances in chocolate, such as theobromine ...
... and phenylethylamine, are known to have a stimulant effect. Caffeine, however is not found in large amounts. Contrary to popular belief, there is only a small amount of caffeine in chocolate. In fact a cup of decaffeinated coffee contains more caffeine than the average serving of chocolate.

Research has also shown that candy lovers live nearly a year longer than their candy avoiding peers, and a Harvard study has found that men who eat chocolate live longer than those who abstain from this sweet treat.

It is important to note that dark chocolate is thought to have far more health benefits than milk chocolate and other forms of chocolate. That is because dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of cocoa to sugar, and since the cocoa contains so many good nutrients there are more health benefits per ounce than with other kinds of chocolate.

Chocolate is also a good source of carbohydrates, as well as a great way to gain a quick burst of energy. Many office workers and others are no doubt familiar with the late afternoon or midmorning pick me up that a chocolate bar can provide. Contrary to popular belief, however, there is no established link between chocolate and hyperactivity in children and adults.

It is also not true that eating chocolate causes acne. Acne is actually a skin condition caused by the over activity of the sebaceous glands, and it is not brought on or exacerbated by chocolate. So chocolate loving teens can rest easy and enjoy the many benefits of this delicious and potentially healthy food.

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