The health benefits of chocolates are obvious to a chocoholic. But, obviously not that obvious to another person! Can chocolate be really healthy? Can something that is symbolic of decadence and is sinfully delicious have health benefits? Well, the answer seems to be yes. Wait, chocoholics don’t start hollering at the top of your lungs. The benefits of chocolate come from the cocoa in the chocolate. So, of course the more the cocoa the more the benefits will be. But, only one variety of chocolate has a really major share of cocoa. And that is dark chocolate. Eating white chocolate or milk chocolate doesn’t show the benefits of cocoa.

So, what are these benefits of eating chocolate? Well for starters they give a feeling of well being, comfort and security. They help in releasing serotonin in the brain which is what makes us feel good. The other benefits include prevention of cancer, lowering of cholesterol which in turn reduces your blood pressure, reducing the risks of heart attack and even helping women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also known as a possible aphrodisiac.

So, what does chocolate contain or rather cocoa contain that has so many health benefits? It contains antioxidant phytochemicals (such as flavonoids) which help in preventing cancer and are also used in anti ageing compounds. Dark chocolate contains more flavonoids that red wine. It also contains theobromine and caffeine which stimulate our brain.

Chocolate might have health benefits or not. You decide. One word of advice, eat chocolate in moderation.


tags: chocolate, health benefits of chocolate, dark chocolate, aphrodiac, chocoholic

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This sounds incredible but it’s true. Studies conducted by scientists indicate that eating a bar of chocolate daily may be good for you. But, there is a catch. There has to be one, otherwise all of us would be pigging out on chocolates by now. The catch is that the chocolate that is mentioned as a candidate to lower blood pressure is the dark chocolate. So the next time you need to buy a gift for someone (i.e your significant other), consider dark chocolate. Apparently, eating white or milk chocolate does not have the same effect. Eating white chocolate or milk chocolate will only produce an effect around your waistline. The reason as to why the dark chocolate is effective in lowering blood pressure is not very clear. It may be that dark chocolate contains much more cocoa than the others. Another reason is that the presence of milk somehow seems to obstruct the good effects of the compounds present in cocoa.

So, what odes chocolate contain that gives such benefits? The cocoa in the chocolate is rich in antioxidants. It has been found that antioxidants work to neutralize the effect of a substance called free radicals, which are molecules which can harm the cell. So, antioxidants help to maintain tissue and muscles healthy. The antioxidants found in chocolate are called flavonoids. Studies show that some flavonoids help in preventing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular. However, it is best to err on the side of caution. Therefore eat chocolate in moderation.


tags: chocolate, dark chocolate, chocaholics, health benefits of chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate

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The fascination with chocolate goes back centuries. In fact there are records that show that as early as the seventeenth century people in Mexico were fascinated by this delicious substance. According to a account the women of Mexico were so fascinated by chocolate that they used to have their maids bring it in during sermons even at the cost of interrupting the Bishop. When the Bishop threatened to with excommunication they would rather change churches than leave their hot chocolate.

The fascination with chocolate is mainly due to the feel good factor that one gets eating it or drinking it. Many people use it to lift their spirits and energy by eating chocolate confectionery. Chocolate is believed to boost serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. It also contains the stimulants theobromine and caffeine. Some people also eat chocolate because they associate it with the comfort of childhood. They find eating it very soothing. You women out there definitely know about the comforts of chocolate.

There were stories of chocolate in the form of chocolate bars that help people survive many accidents in high altitude areas which also increase the fascination with chocolate. There is no myth that chocolate is included in the daily K-rations of the US army. Chocolate bars are also part of the diet of astronauts.

The fascination of chocolate can be judged by the following statistic. In the year 1993 alone UK consumed a whopping £3 billion worth of chocolate.

Stories of chocolate bars helping people survive many accidents on high altitude areas etc. also increase the fascination with chocolate. It is no myth that chocolate is included in the daily K-rations of the US army when they are in the field. It is also a part of the diet of astronauts.

tags: chocolate, hot chocolate, theobromine, caffeine, serotonin, endorphin

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