Chocolate has many health benefits, such as stress relief, proper brain and nervous function, mood elevation, and heart function. This is the world’s most famous food and does not need an introduction. But there are not a lot of people who know that it has many health benefits. All people want it, no matter if they are young or old.
This is your favorite cocoa which has been in for more than 3000 years. The three essential components of chocolate are sugar, milk, and cocoa. The scientific name of cocoa is Theobroma cacao L. People who are obese or participate in very little physical activity should not eat chocolates full of sugar, butter, and cream. Chocolate is good for hard toilers and athletes. If you eat too much dark and sugar–free chocolate, it can drop the sugar levels in your blood to alarming levels, and this will cause fatigue.
The alkaloids in chocolate can cause constipation, allergies, neurotic disturbances, migraines, and headaches. The caffeine in chocolate can neutralize other drugs, particularly homeopathic medicines. Cocoa is addictive due to caffeine and other amines and alkaloids in chocolates.
Cocoa can also lead to poisoning in the long run because cocoa can absorb lead. Consuming milk can reduce these side effects to a great extent, but not completely.
8 Health benefits of chocolate
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Improves energy levels
Fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid (both saturated), and oleic acid (unsaturated) can help to put on weight and give you energy without the risk of accumulating cholesterol, as far as pure cocoa is concerned. When cocoa is made into chocolate, the amount of cholesterol you get depends on the type of milk (full cream, semi–toned or toned) and milk products (milk solids, butter) used in it the exercises you are doing. The sugar in the chocolate can relax your body and give you energy.
Manages diabetes
Dark and sugar–free chocolate (cocoa) chocolate is very bitter to taste because it has caffeine, an alkaloid. The bitterness of this alkaloid neutralizes the sugar in your blood. Also, it is a stimulant, which means it can stimulate the secretion of insulin and bile, which can also help break d the sugar and will levels in the blood.
Treats cough and cold.
Cocoa has Vitamin C alkaloids and flavonoids, which can relieve cough and cold. Also, it has fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, which will relieve sore throat due to continuous coughing and colds.
Aphrodisiac
Chocolate has two compounds known as phenethylamine and theobromine, which are supposed to be aphrodisiacs because they have stimulating properties. But a lot more studies should be done to approve or disapprove this chocolate property.
Prevents cancer
Cocoa has flavonoids which are good anti–carcinogens. They can help in the prevention of the growth of cancerous cells. This can be aided by their antioxidant properties which can also help to neutralize the carcinogenic effects of free radicals.
Cures diarrhea
Cocoa has alkaloids, which is why it has been used as a natural treatment for diarrhea for ages.
Improves oxidation
Cocoa has very good antioxidants such as Vitamin C, procyanidins, epicatechins, and catechins which can minimize the effects of free radicals and heal the damage already caused by these dangerous cellular byproducts. Also, they are very effective in preventing age–related disorders such as nervous disorders, macular degeneration, dullness of the brain, and loss of vision and hearing.
Antidepressant
Cocoa has caffeine but not as much as coffee, an alkaloid. Also, it has phenylethylamine and theobromine; all of these elements have a stimulant nature. They are very effective as anti–depressants and mood elevators. Cocoa also has Tryptophan which is an amino acid that has relaxing effects. This is refreshing and soothing in cases of stress and tension.