The words we all love to hear – yes, chocolate has MANY benefits! Of course, in moderation. 

When it comes to chocolate, there’s no doubt it’s a favourite! But here at Gr8 Health, we do chocolate DIFFERENT! From healthy options to energy boosting treats, we have a wide range of mouth watering choccy treats for every occasion!

But what are the benefits of eating chocolate? Let’s find out!

 

Main Benefits of Moderate Chocolate Consumption

It May help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

One study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests that chocolate consumption might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as “bad cholesterol.”

Cocoa contains chemicals called polyphenols, and eating chocolate with high polyphenol levels – like that found in dark chocolate – could improve ‘good’ cholesterol levels.

Cocoa consists mainly of stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is a saturated fat, but unlike most saturated fatty acids, it does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, does not raise cholesterol and may even reduce it.

 

Chocolate May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Over time, a number of studies have shown that consuming flavanol-rich cocoa or chocolate can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

All the effects of chocolate on the circulatory system – lowering blood pressure, opening up the blood vessels and reducing inflammation – can help keep our hearts healthy and ward off heart disease and strokes, research published in the BMJ shows. A review of studies of more than 114,000 people found that those who ate the most chocolate were 37 per cent less likely to have coronary heart disease and 29 per cent less likely to have a stroke than people who ate the least chocolate.

Although all of these findings are promising, more evidence is needed to know if it was the chocolate that reduced the risk.

 

Chocolate may Help Boost Brain Power

The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain.

Studies show that eating high flavanol cocoa can improve blood flow to the brain in young adults. This may explain why eating cocoa daily appears to improve attention, verbal learning, and memory.

The improvement in mood that people can get from eating chocolate comes from the release of serotonin and endorphins – the feel-good chemicals – in the brain.

Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term.

 

Chocolate Can Help Protect Your Skin

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.

Conventional wisdom would have you believe that chocolate can be bad for your complexion, but researchers have found that some compounds in cocoa can actually help protect your skin from the Sun. A study published in the journal Nutrition discovered that people who ate 20g of dark chocolate per day over 12 weeks could spend double the amount of time in front of a UV lamp before their skin reddened compared with those who had eaten normal chocolate.

If you’re planning a beach vacation, consider enjoying some extra dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months. But check with your doctor or dermatologist before forgoing your normal skin care routine in favor of more dark chocolate. And remember that chocolate can’t replace sunscreen and other forms of sun protection.

 

Other Benefits of Chocolate

Renovates Blood Vessels

May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure

Powerful source of antioxidants

Makes You Feel Good

Prevents Liver Damage

 

Dark Chocolate vs Light Chocolate

The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of cocoa, and so, in theory, the higher the level of antioxidants there will be in the bar.

However, nutrients vary widely in commercially available chocolate bars, depending on the brand and type you choose. It is best to check the label if you want to be sure of the nutrients.

Unsweetened chocolates and 100-percent cocoa products are available for purchase online, and at some grocery and health food stores.

 

In summary, chocolate in moderation has many health benefits that can elevate your wellness! You don’t have to say no to chocolate all the time – a little bit here and there is always a good idea and always remember to check the label of your choice of chocolate for the added ingredients – less sugar is always better. 

Find below the best options of chocolate at Gr8 Health and indulge in some well deserved treat once in a while! 

REFERENCES

https://www.bettavend.co.uk/blog/10-reasons-why-chocolate-is-good-for-you

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272#light_versus_dark