Chocolate a health food

Introduction  

Who don’t like chocolates…and if we say chocolates can be used as health foods people will be really happy and they will be over the moon. Many times doctors in their prescription makes chocolate a strict no-no.

When research states that chocolates can be used as stimulants, it’s news for one and all. Chocoholics can now sing and dance.  

Fat content 

Chocolates form the high fat food. The fat content in chocolate still makes some people wonder about its credentials. People should understand that chocolate is a high calorie food and even a 40 gm dark chocolate 13 gems of fat and 210 calories 

Dark secret 

Moderation of chocolates when taken in small and limited quantities is actually good for health. Dark chocolates, which contain Flavonoids, a biological component of plant foods minimize the risk for heart ailments. Different falvonoids chelate (bind) metals, prevent oxidation, reduce allergic response, stimulate immune system, prevent carcinogen formation, impede growth of cancer cells, protect against virus and bacteria. Chocolate containing falvonoids catechins prevent heart diseases. Chocolates with moderation can be the part of healthy and nutritious diet. One should look for low sugar and fat content chocolate to reduce weight gain. 

Points to ponder 

The following points will brighten sweet and chocolate lovers who want to be healthy without compromising on their dearest delicious dishes. 

Having a healthy dark chocolate will give you sin free, sensual and sweet pleasure along with significant health benefits. 

Dark chocolate helps in weight reduction. 

Healthy chocolate benefits tobacco users as the antioxidants neutralize toxic compounds. Test group of smokers experienced drastic improvement in the functioning of the endothelial cells, which line the artery walls.

 

Magnesium and potassium present in the dark chocolate helps regulate blood pressure and heartbeat.

 

Cocoa acts as anti depressant and promotes vascular health. 

Cocoa beans are the most complex substance in the earth that consists of 300 chemically identifiable compounds. 

Cocoa that is presenting chocolate is actually a fruit, which is the healthiest fruit eaten by people. Studies indicate that cocoa results in reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. 

Raw cocoa consists the highest antioxidant value of all natural foods world over.

Consuming small amounts of chocolates prevent chocolate binge. So when you crave have a bite. 

The main saturated fat found in cocoa butter, stearic acid doesn’t raise blood cholesterol levels and it also decreases platelet activity improving heart condition.

Tannins present in chocolate prevent formation of cavities. 

Falvonoids, type of polyphenols prevent cell damage, cancer and age related disorders. 

Chocolate, a plant related food contains many nutrients present in plants.

Cocoa in beverage form, with high falvanol improves blood circulation in diabetic patients by increasing normal endothelial function in the blood vessels. 

9gms of caffeine is present in 1.55 ounce of milk chocolate bar that is less than the one in soft drink, which comes to 40gms. 

Hyperactivity in children is not due to sugar consumption as per research findings. Sugar consumption, which increases serotonin levels in brain, has a calming effect.