While chocolate contains beneficial compounds, the health benefits are minimal compared to other foods. Pure dark chocolate is the only type with benefits, but excessive consumption can cause harm. Flavonols in chocolate have antioxidants that promote healthy blood pressure, but other foods contain higher concentrations. Chocolate may have psychoactive properties and stimulate serotonin production, but excessive consumption is not recommended for certain health problems.
The health benefits of chocolate are often touted in the news, usually with a light-hearted headline. While chocolate certainly contains some beneficial compounds, the fact remains that you would need to eat a very large volume of high-quality dark chocolate for these benefits to take effect. In fact, more chocolate than most people could eat without serious intestinal upset. Some of these compounds are unique to chocolate, but others can be more easily obtained from things like fresh fruits like blueberries. Ultimately, the health benefits of chocolate should not be used as an excuse to indulge.
Before we dive into the health benefits of chocolate, it’s important to clarify that these benefits only apply to pure dark chocolate. Milk chocolate, chocolate desserts, and other chocolate candies do not have the same benefits, as the other ingredients tend to be harmful, and the beneficial compounds are present in small amounts. However, high-quality dark chocolate does not contain things like harmful fats, and has a concentration of the best part of the cacao plant. Since the health benefits of chocolate are really minimal compared to other foods, consumers should not drown them with harmful fats, dairy products, and a variety of other things that are used to dilute chocolate.
Extensive analysis of chocolate has revealed a range of compounds including theobromine, anandamide, and flavonols, along with the more familiar caffeine. Many of these substances have a positive effect on the human body or on cognition. Flavonols, for example, are loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Anandamide is a cannabinoid and may have psychoactive properties, along with theobromine. Studies on dark chocolate have shown that it is certainly not harmful, although it may not be as beneficial as a large salad or fresh fruit.
The psychoactive compounds in chocolate can create a feeling of happiness and general well-being, which many believe to be one of the most important health benefits of chocolate. Even inhaling chocolate seems to induce a feeling of relaxation, but this may also be due to social associations with chocolate. Chocolate certainly seems to stimulate serotonin production, as it contains tryptophan and can reduce pain sensitivity.
The flavonols in chocolate seem to have more health benefits. Antioxidants are beneficial to human health in several ways. The flavonols in chocolate help prevent arteries from clogging, promoting healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, chocolate fans should be aware that many other foods contain antioxidants in much higher concentrations.
Excessive consumption of chocolate and sweets is generally not recommended for people with certain health problems. Diabetics, for example, should stick to unsweetened chocolate. People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome may also want to avoid chocolate, as the stimulating effects on the brain and body can be followed by low blood sugar. However, chocolate does not appear to be involved in migraines or acne, which may be a relief for some patients.
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