if you’d characterize your relationship with chocolate as “complicated,” you’re not alone. About 45 percent of women in the U.S. report that they have chocolate cravings, with a whopping 91 percent of female college students reporting regular cravings for it. Research shows that, unlike men, many women have feelings of guilt when eating this potentially “forbidden” food, or they fight the urge to eat it at all. This strained relationship with chocolate can be harmful in a number of ways. Nutrition experts explain how making up with chocolate can benefit not only your taste buds, but also your health.
Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. Among the most beneficial is a flavonol called epicatechin. Flavonols are compounds found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Increases heart health: The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.
Balances the immune system: Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.
Flavonols in dark chocolate have a positive impact on brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness and stronger memory. Though research is ongoing, one reason for this may be that flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.
It contains antioxidants Cocoa powder is a great antioxidant, and while milk chocolate has a lower cocoa content than dark chocolate, it still contains these antioxidants.
Increases heart health - The antioxidants in milk chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.
It provides plenty of micronutrients Understandably, a lot of the discussion around milk chocolate focuses on fat and sugar content, but it's also packing plenty of nutrients that important for a healthy body.
Scientists at Harvard University confirmed that consuming flavonoid-rich cocoa increased the nitric oxide inside the Kunas’ blood. This widens and dilates the blood vessels, reducing their overall blood pressure.
White chocolate is made up of milk solids, cocoa butter and sugar. It is the presence of pure cocoa butter that makes your white chocolate bar a healthy one. Pure cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants, which are favorable for your body.
Lowering Cholesterol – Consuming white chocolate in limited quantities can help regulate the fat in your body, which in turn can reduce levels of the bad cholesterol. This can lead to having a healthy heart and lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
Improving Liver Health – Studies have shown that white chocolate has the properties to improve liver health by increasing the blood flow in your body. It also helps in enhancing the recovery of ruptured tissues
Improves brain function: Flavonols in white chocolate have a positive impact on brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness and stronger memory.