Health Benefits of Chocolate

Health Benefits Of Chocolate: Are They For Real?


Few studies have proved that chocolate has health benefits. Findings have resulted to the fact that chocolate food can be actually good for the health since it contains more than 300 chemicals, where health benefits derive from. This is in contradiction to the old myth that anything that tastes good can be bad. It used to be that old folks warn their children against eating too much chocolate or other folks being very cautious believing that eating this food can be causative factor of certain illnesses.

But researches conducted demonstrated that there is quite a large amount of antioxidants, found in chocolate, and is relatively higher than other high-antioxidant foods. See one of the results of researches:

Cocoa powder – is found to contain the highest quantity and quality anti-oxidants.

Dark chocolate – is found second to cocoa powder. Results also showed that dark chocolate has eight more times of the polyphenol antioxidants than those found in strawberries.

Milk chocolate – is the third kind of chocolate food that contains high antioxidant contents.

Furthermore, in a research conducted in 2001, 23 participants who included in their diet dark chocolate and high flavonoid-rich cocoa powder were found to have higher HDL cholesterol, also called the good cholesterol, concentrations as opposed to other control participants. Although the investigation about the health effects of chocolate was done in a relatively small group of people, it suggested that there is more to what the chocolates were believed to have.

Subsequently, another research was done in 2005, where another small test group was involved. The output was similar, suggesting that dark chocolate can actually lower the blood pressure in individuals suffering with hypertension. It produced the comparable result as with the other research, wherein LDL cholesterol levels, or the bad cholesterol, were found to drop by at least 10 percent.

In these few researches alone, it can be concluded that chocolate food contains high amount of good chemicals, which therefore almost completely opposes the old myth and half-truths established long ago how it can never be good part of anyone's diet. This must not be reason though for people to consume chocolate products at their own discretion.

Remember that there are chocolate foods that can be good to your health while there are others that can be bad, especially those that are highly-processed and poorly made. Some of those are chocolate candies and bars, which you often find in stores and are high in calories, sugar, and fat.

It does not necessarily mean that you have to entirely avoid these kinds of chocolate; however, take them in moderation. If you want to enjoy health benefits of chocolate, you can opt for the healthier version such as the three mentioned above.

Note too that health benefits found in chocolate are not good for your pets. This is for the reason that the food contains theobromine, a kind of stimulant and which pets cannot digest. Even baking and dark chocolate is not advised to be administered to pets. The same is true in cake, puddings, ice creams, candy bar, and cookies that contain chocolate.

For people with health concerns, it is a must to do a lot of researches about chocolate. Health benefits of chocolate may not be beneficial at all if you have a serious condition, so it will likewise help if you consult with your trusted doctor or nutritionist to avoid unnecessary medical consequences.

  

 The Pros and the Cons in Chocolate Consumption

Researchers and Scientist brought some news for chocolate lovers stating that it may be essential for the body. These groups of individuals has a preliminary evidence on their reports stating that cocoa and other chocolates have the ability to normalize a high blood pressure for a hypertensive persons, makes the blood regulates well and make the heart function healthy. According to this study, there is substance called Nitric Oxide which is produce and regulated by cocoa. This Nitric Oxide is a compound essential for a healthy and well blood flow and also for blood pressure. Other studies reveal that a Flavanol in cocoa triggers any fatty substances in the bloodstream in order to avoid clogging of the arterial and even makes the platelets act by sticking together and prevent blood clots. There are 4,000 kinds of compound sources which are potential for this kind of activity and one of those is compound found in chocolate called Flavonoids which was secreted from cocoa bean. Cocoa bean is a component of chocolate. The term used for these flavonoids in cocoa is flavanols.

In general, studies have found that this dark chocolate has high components of flavonoids compare to white ones. It is a way that the cocoa powder and syrups of this chocolate are processed that removes essential flavonoids. A rationale on this study shows that the more intake of flavanol in the human body also relates the intense activity of Nitric Oxide. This Nitric Acid has a very significant role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure and even in the cardiovascular system.

Chocolate is known as a good source of promoting good blood flow. According to studies and researches performed by scientists and researchers, a low dose of aspirin performs exactly the same to a flavonol that can be found in cocoa and chocolate. And this activity promotes a healthy blood flow. So it will reduce the possibility of blood clotting and also reduces any risk of possible stroke or even heart attack to a person with high blood pressure. This would only mean that a person with allergic symptoms to aspirin may eat a flavanol rich food which is in the composition of a chocolate. Though, it's not a medicine, it is considered as a best alternative approach. The explanation goes as the blood platelet activity is related the benefits produce by Nitric Oxide.

It has been studied and observed that several bioactive components, compounds and substances in chocolate are proven to promote a state of alertness, promote a well-being, and even lessen pain. Facts show that a stimulants caffeine, theobromine, phenylethylamine, and tyramine provide a brain fogged for a desire needed lift. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid works to lessen any form of anxiety by the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin; endorphins, the body's neutral opiates; all of these are categorized to lessen body pain. Other compound like Anandamide serves similar to cannabinoid which promote and regulate relaxation. Chocolate is also a natural kind of analgesic.

A summary for these studies and research would only state that eating chocolate in its recommended amount will give enough energy lift, lessen the anxiety, and a reduction to a possible pain. However, Nutritionists, and Biochemists could always argue that chocolates doesn't contain much of these beneficial and health giving benefits. For example, Nutritionists, and Biochemists will say that caffeine is a substance the make us alert but there is a less amount of caffeine in chocolate if they have to compare it to a cup of plain coffee. There are only 30 milligrams of caffeine in a bar of chocolate but there is 100-150 milligrams of caffeine is present on a plain cup of coffee. Another situation is the feeling of being alert for a while after consuming a bar of chocolate. However, that temporary good feeling of satisfaction is most likely to be changed by an activity of sugar induced drop energy that brings fatigue even compared before eating a chocolate. Another compound is the anandamine that can cause a feeling of being "high"; a feeling associated in the effect of taking marijuana.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Chocolate

For centuries, chocolate has been one of the most bought sweet tasting desserts in the world. But one thing that clouds the great attribute of this all-time favorite treat is the myth surrounding it that a food that tastes good can be bad for the health making chocolates too one of the most perceived food that can be dangerous to the health of the people. For this reason, many are cautious when devouring chocolates, especially those who are extremely conscious of their health.

But with researches and discoveries made these days, chocolates might not be so bad after all. In fact, there are health benefits that are associated with chocolates and can be good for the consumers. This is particularly true if people choose and consume chocolates wisely.

The surprising news pertains to the fact that a chocolate can contain over 300 chemicals, which have become the subject that scientific organizations and universities have focused and led to the good news.

So, these are what they found regarding the health benefits of chocolate:

1.    It is found that the main source of chocolate, the cacao, has been proven to have antibacterial agents that actually help fight tooth decay. This is in contrast of course to the traditional myth where mothers would warn their children against eating chocolate as it can ruin their teeth.
2.    Chocolate is believed to be an elevator of moods of the people as it also has phenyl ethylamine.
3.    Chocolate has smell that actually helps people to relax and be freed with stress specifically due to the fact that it increases theta brain waves.
4.    Contrary to the early myth, chocolate can be good to people having problems with bad cholesterol. The health food contains a kind of monounsaturated fat, called oleic acid, which raises good cholesterol.
5.    Chocolate can be good for people who are weight-conscious. One hot chocolate cup taken before means help reduce appetite.
6.    The chocolate also contains flavonoids, which are instrumental for keeping blood vessels more elastic.
7.    Chocolate contains chemicals that help increase antioxidants levels found in blood.
8.    It is also discovered that men can live another year longer if they consume chocolates.
9.    Carbohydrates were found to contain chocolate, which is good for maintaining a good sense of well-being as it helps increase serotonin levels found in the brain.
10.    Chocolate has been used by the Mexican healers to treat insect bites and bronchitis.
In addition to the above findings, there are other researches that negate some half-truths about chocolate. Here they are:

1.    Although chocolate can contain the stimulants bromine and caffeine, these are in tiny quantities that do not lead to nervous excitability.
2.    Chocolate is never addictive.
3.    Chocolate does not contain chemicals that make as acne causative factor.
4.    It doesn't make anyone high. You have to consume about 25lbs in one sitting, a huge quantity only found to make you experience any noticeable effect. 
5.    Chocolate will not increase bad cholesterol as it actually contains a neutral fat called stearic acid.

But just like any other foods that also have a negative side, chocolate has some too, but are way far to outweigh the health benefits found.

1.    People with migraines are not advised to take chocolate as it can trigger the illness more.
2.    If chocolate is consumed with milk, it can contain sugar, saturated fat, and high caloric contents.

Scientists and Nutritionists on Battle for Chocolate

Scientist and Researchers will always tell people that eating chocolate is good for the heart since it has the ability to decrease the LDL or known as bad cholesterol and it will promote a good blood flow by reducing the blood pressure level to a person associated with high blood pressure.

However, Nutritionists will always argue in this sentiments and results. As for them, they have a basis why would they argue for those studies. For instance, some substances, components and compounds of a chocolate is said to be in harm for body's health. A compound called Anandamide affects the brain's receptor making a feeling of being "high" a kind of brain receptor common to those of taking marijuana. Being intolerance is also a factor that is considered here which can be caused by a compound called Exorphins. This is like an external morphine substance in chocolate in some psychological sequel or even a gut problem.

They also believe that chocolates have several biologically active constituents like Biogenic amines, Methylxanthines, and Cannabinoid-like fatty acids. All of those mentioned substance has a potential to cause any abnormal behaviors and even psychological sensations that are similar to those of any other addictive and intolerable substances.

Of all the above mentioned consequences and harmful effects of chocolate to the body, the study never ends there. Scientists wanted to prove that chocolate is in no harm when only taken with the right amount. Here's what they found out which they use against the Nutritionist for a sure win in such argumentation. Research shows, that a cocoa powder, milk chocolate, and a dark chocolate have a high Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity values compared to any other well known foods, such as blueberries and prunes. This Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity values works to measure the power of an antioxidant substance present. An antioxidant is a kind of substance that protects the body against harmful free radicals by producing peroxides and oxygen. To name some are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha tocopherol. Research shows that there are more than 13,000 Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity values units is present in dark chocolate compare to a milk chocolate which only has approximately 6,700 units. As much as twice antioxidants in the cocoa start out to be when it's an unsweetened powder. But when it is converted to black chocolate but diluting it to water, milk and sugar, the overall amount of flavonoid in every serving is about half of that in a milk chocolate.

The bottom point why both parties are in battle towards chocolate is that they only wanted to find out the best way on how to explain the positive and negative side for consuming chocolate. Here's what the general thought and summary of all the researches made by both parties. Scientists and Nutritionists are finding similar results with compounds in vegetables and fruits, red wine, tomatoes, and tea compared to the compound of chocolate that yields one common and the same conclusion. The components are sure to be antioxidant which both parties agreed. Conclusion says that the right amount of chocolate intake will yield good result for the body and is harmful if otherwise. As the both parties are arguing for any good and even bad results for chocolate eating, it is still a will for us to eat chocolate while waiting for future research as scientist and nutritionist promise to bring a conclusive study.


Impacts and Facts of Chocolate in Humans and Animals

For decades and centuries, chocolate is still a known sweet and delicious treats or snacks in the whole world. However, it is still a doubt that surrounds chocolate myths that if it takes awesome, that must be awful for health. Well, we are not surprise to hear this but the study amazing shows that this irresistibly treat has a lot of health giving benefits, most likely if being conscious in choosing chocolate .

There are 300 known substances and compounds in chocolate. Scientific group of people and other research laboratories have a lot of studies made to prove the effects and essentials of each component. And here are the summary of the results. There is an antibacterial agent in one of the source of chocolate called cacao, this antibacterial agent fight against tooth decay. Theta Brain Waves are increase caused by the aroma of a chocolate and it results for the brain and body to relax. There is also a presence of mild mood elevator in this chocolate and we called that substance as Phenyl Ethylamine. Eating chocolate increases the level of HDL or good cholesterol since there is a presence of a substance commonly found in olive oil; the Oleic Acid. Appetite can be diminishing by taking one cup of hot chocolate before eating. Life expectancy goes beyond one year in favor to those who eat chocolate than those did not. Any form of blood clotting can be avoided by keeping the blood vessel more elastic which is maintain
ed by a substance called flavanoids. The level of antioxidants in the blood can be increases by eating chocolate. A level of Serotonin in the brain can be increased through the activity of carbohydrates in this chocolate thus promoting a sense of alertness and well being. Another interesting fact is that the dark chocolate contains less sugar and more Cacaos compare to a milk chocolate. It only concludes that a health giving benefits is more present in dark chocolates.

A Montaignac diet will allow eating of dark chocolate but the milk chocolate due to some factors mentioned. It only shows that there may be substance present on black chocolates that is absent on white or any other forms of chocolates or vice versa. Thus substances of a black chocolate are more reliable for some health conscious than that of the white chocolate.

There are doubts and worries concerning how the body will react to hundreds of compounds induced to body through eating chocolate. Here are the very latest results according to studies made all over the world. Chocolate is not a factor in causative acne. There are only small quantities of a stimulant Bromine and Caffeine in cacao and it never cause any nervous excitability. Chocolate is not addictive.  There is a neutral fat called Stearic Acid that never raises LDL or bad cholesterol. Chocolate never makes us "high" unless eaten in a huge quantity of approximately 25 pounds at one sitting.

If there is a positive outlook, there must be also a negative side, and these are said to be proven. Headaches through migraine are trigger by taking chocolate. There is a high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat in milk chocolates.

And when it comes to a pet lover, it is so said that chocolate is considered harmful to animals since it has a stimulant known as Theobromine, which animals cannot digest. Baking chocolate and dark chocolates are a lot dangerous since they contain a high level of concentrations of Theobromine.