Good Facts About Chocolate

9:17 AM | Labels: ordinary knowledge, you'd better know

Honestly, I love this yummy thing so much, and these fact make me love it more and more... I don't need to worry again, for chocolate lovers check this one out (it's absolutely recommended guys!) ^^

Chocolate is not only known for its rich delicious flavor, but also for its high antioxidant content. There are several health benefits and advantages of eating chocolate. Research has proved that eating moderate amounts of chocolate can elevate moods and is even good for your heart. Chocolate is a rich delicious product of the cacao tree. Pure chocolate is produced from cocoa beans, which are fermented, roasted, ground and liquefied into chocolate liquor. The liquor is further processed into cocoa solids and cocoa butter. These two components are actually pure, unadulterated chocolate. The chocolate we eat is more of a processed product as it contains sugar, milk and fats.

A Brief History of Chocolate

The cacao tree has been mainly grown in Central and South America since 1100 BC. Mesoamerican civilizations including the Maya and the Aztec made chocolate beverages from cacao beans. The Aztecs called the beverages “xocolatl” which means “bitter water”. According to sources, the word chocolate stems for this Aztec word.

Chocolate was first introduced to the European nations by Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century. The Spanish made the “bitter water” into a delicious concoction by adding ingredients like vanilla and cinnamon.

Today, chocolate is one of the most popular flavors in the world. In the west, it is mainly consumed in the form of milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is prepared by mixing milk solids, cocoa butter and sugar. Dark chocolate contains around 15 percent concentrated chocolate liquor and sugar.

Health Benefits of Chocolate

Although chocolate is known for its rich taste, there are also many health benefits of eating chocolate. With a high cocoa content, dark chocolate is a great source of flavonoids, gallic acid, and epicatechin and is thought to be very good for the heart. Here are some other key benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Chocolate may be good for your heart:
Preliminary research studies claim that chocolate and other cocoa products may have circulatory benefits. A study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s claimed that eating flavonoid-rich foods, including chocolate, ensured low risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of flavonoids than milk chocolate. However, through the manufacturing process chocolate syrups and processed cocoa powder removes much of the antioxidants. To experience chocolate in its unadulterated form, you'd have to by cocoa beans or raw, unprocessed cocoa powder.

2. Chocolate lowers LDL cholesterol:

Studies have suggested that eating dark chocolate can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). An Italian study published in the August 2005 issue of the Hypertension Journal revealed that eating dark chocolate can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. In a study, Pennsylvania State University researchers have also found that people who consumed flavonoid-rich dark chocolate have higher levels of good cholesterol compared with people in the control group.

3. Eating Chocolate may lower your blood pressure:

One of the key benefits of dark chocolate is healthy blood pressure. Cocoa contains a substance that processes a compound called nitric oxide. This substance helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood flow.
Moreover, the flavonoids in chocolates prevent blood clots as they do not allow fatty substances in the bloodstream to oxidize the arteries.

4. Eating chocolate reduces stress:

Eating a bar of chocolate may lift your mood. Many researchers confirm the anti-depressant qualities of chocolates. A study conducted on 3,000 subjects by the Black Dog Institute found that almost 45 percent people with depression improved their mood after having chocolate. The main component behind chocolate’s anti-depressant properties is serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can induce feeling of pleasure. Scientists have found that the endorphins and opoids in chocolates makes people feel less anxious and worried and makes them relaxed.

5. Chocolate is rich in Antioxidants:
The high flavonoid content in chocolate, particularly dark chocolate and cocoa powder, can not only relax blood pressure, but also may protect your body from aging. A study conducted by researchers of the University of Scranton confirms the high antioxidant content in chocolate. Flavonoids (or flavonols) in chocolate acts as antioxidants and fights against free radicals.

But what about the fat?

Chocolate bars and candies are notorious for having high fat content. But the good news is that some types of fat do not affect your cholesterol. Fat in chocolate is mainly stearic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid. Of the three, oleic acid is monounsaturated fat whereas stearic acid and palmitic acid are saturated fats. However, some researches show that stearic acid does not impact your cholesterol. While the palmitic acid is unhealthy, it is in small enough amounts that it is unlikely to do much damage as long as chocolate is enjoyed in moderation.
We'd say it's safe and even heatlhy to enjoy a chocolatey treat every now and then. However, consult your doctor if you have concerns about your diet.