Of course, these three studies are observational studies, so can’t prove that it was the chocolate that reduced the risk. One cocoa tree can produce as many as 2500 cocoa beans. Do you think people should eat chocolate for its health benefits? 13. reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. The most notable health benefits of chocolate milk include replenishing nutrients following exercise, managing growth, strengthening bone density, stimulating the immune system, and regulating digestion, among others. Cacao has theobromine and phenylethylamine /pea which have CNS enhancing or stimulant effects, theobromine is like caffeine. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. The scientific name for the tree that chocolate comes from, Theobroma cacao, means “food of the gods.” The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation. Dark Chocolate: Health Benefits, Facts, and Research. Heavy metals: Some cocoa powders, chocolate bars, and cacao nibs may contain high levels of cadmium and lead, which are toxic to the kidneys, bones, and other body tissues. All rights reserved. This article reviews whether mayo is safe when…, Apples are highly nutritious, but you may wonder whether they can really keep the doctor away. Chocolate is believed to contain high levels … Advertisement. Dark chocolate contains almost twice as many flavonoids as milk chocolates, but it contains more caffeine than other chocolates. of chocolate. BITTERSWEET HEALTH FACTS ABOUT CHOCOLATE Studies say that eating a bit of chocolate each day may cut your odds of heart attack and stroke. Nutrition Facts of Chocolate. Antioxidants bond to free radicals and whisk them from your body via digestion and other means. It may help with diabetes. Similar to red wines and fruits, cocoa seeds contain a high percentage of antioxidants named flavonoids, which improves your kid’s cardiovascular health. Studies have also found that dark chocolate can improve the ability to see in low-contrast situations (such as poor weather) and promote lower blood pressure, which has positive effects on cholesterol levels, platelet function, and insulin sensitivity. Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Easy Cinnamon Rolls. With this figure in mind, it’s no surprise to hear that 70% of all cocoa comes from West Africa. Health Benefits of Chocolate and Candy. If you’re planning a beach vacation, consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months. This article reviews whether…, You may have heard a lot about cleanses or detoxes for psoriasis, but you may wonder whether these methods are effective or safe. You can shop for dark chocolate at local grocers or online. However, chocolate can have a high calorie count due to its sugar and fat content. Around two-third of the cocoa is produced by Western Africa. But when it comes to sharing your favorite foods with your canine pal, there’s one snack you have to hold back: chocolate. July 7 is also Chocolate Day, a nod to the historical tradition that the day marks when chocolate was first brought to Europe on July 7, 1550, though a … Find 11 interesting chocolate facts and why eating chocolate could be good for your health. Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. Here are some chocolate facts… Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa once wrote, “There is no metaphysics on earth like chocolate.” Hershey’s produces over 80 million chocolate Kisses--every day. However, according to a review of chocolate’s health effects published in the Netherlands Journal of Medicine, it’s not all bad news. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat. Learn more here. But according to the recent researches, if you choose your chocolate wisely, it actually has some health benefits. Why trust us? Almost 50 percent of them are produced in Ivory Coast. Chocolate is one guilty pleasure that merits indulgence, given you are indulging in the right kind of chocolate. Read facts about Chocolate Milk here. First: Dark chocolate has higher % of cacao , the bean from which chocolate is made. 21 October 2018 by Elle Taylor. Findings published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggest that a little dark chocolate might boost oxygen availability during fitness training. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries (2). A study was conducted on a series of smokers to see whether eating dark chocolate helped their bodies. The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration (18). Mayo is a popular condiment for sandwiches and often used as a base for salad dressings and sauces. Cupuaçu is a chocolaty fruit that can be eaten on its own, processed into butter or powder, and used in various cosmetics. In fact, several long-term observational studies show a fairly drastic improvement. This relationship, called neurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”. Chocolate’s antioxidant potential may have a range of health benefits. There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease. Dark chocolate can improve cardiovascular health. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals. Chocolate, derived from the cacao bean, has many beneficial compounds that can contribute to good health. Yet another study showed that eating dark chocolate more than 5 times per week lowered the risk of heart disease by 57% (17). Enter dark chocolate! The addition of ingredients in the manufacturing of milk chocolate candy, however, decreases the nutritional value of chocolate and makes this food less healthy than its dark chocolate relative. The sweet treat can lead to illness and even death in dogs.Vets say it’s one of the most common causes of dog poisoning.. Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet-tasting treats in the world. It turns out that it isn’t just your 6-year-old who will gladly make his bed for a chocolate bar. When pregnant women were given higher doses of chocolate, they had a 40% less chance of developing this complication. Montezuma II, an Aztec emperor, drank over 50 cups of chocolate per day. 5 Things You Didn't Know About Chocolate. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Pu-erh Tea: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Another study revealed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%. It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. Each cacao tree produces approximately 2,500 beans. The average serving of milk chocolate has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaf coffee. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease. An average chocolate bar contains 220 calories, which is low enough to be a part of a weight control diet if other high-calorie foods are eliminated. Here are some fun facts about chocolate that you might not know. Also works as a photoprotective agent. Also known as “black chocolate, ” this particular variety is made from roasted cocoa beans of the cacao tree, fat, and sugar. Its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect (16). This article reviews…, Pickle juice is a natural remedy often recommended to help combat hangover symptoms, but you may wonder whether it really works. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small compared to coffee. Chocolate was regarded as an aphrodisiac by the Aztec Indians and the word chocolate means ‘bitter water’, in the Aztec language. This article takes a close look at the old proverb and…, Fish sauce is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but if you're out or don't like the taste, there are plenty of alternatives. Research published in The BMJ, suggests that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third. The cocoa in dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may provide several health benefits. Your dog begs for handouts, hoping for a stray scrap to savor. Health Benefits of chocolate on skin: Flavonoids found in chocolate have a role in skin protection via promoting blood circulation towards the skin. It is a rich source of vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E and minerals such as phosphorus, manganese , and zinc. After the European discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in the wider world, and its demand exploded. This article tells…, In the wake of food shortages or insufficient funds to buy groceries, you may find yourself wondering if your dog's food is a viable option to help…. Let me share some Chocolaty facts with you. The results of one study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that older women who consumed chocolate every day had lower bone density and strength. You’ll earn a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship Although we could fill our own book of interesting facts about chocolate, we’ve chosen just 10 facts that we thought were the most fascinating to share with you. Enjoy. Dark chocolate is rich in minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. As the Valentines Day is approaching and everyone gets a bit nervous, it is actually a great time to snack on some chocolate. The myth surrounding chocolate is that if it tastes so good, it must be bad for your health. Enter dark chocolate! Myth: Chocolate causes weight gain. Chocolate may have health benefits, but it can have some negative effects, too. 3. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. The higher the cocoa content, as in dark chocolate, the more benefits there are. Chocolate is a “polymorph.” No, this doesn’t mean it can take the form of broccoli or 12-grain bread. Chocolate is loaded with calories. 400 cocoa beans make one pound of chocolate. That Chocolate is high in caffeine. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild (4, 5, 6, 7). Chocolate was regarded as an aphrodisiac by Aztec Indians. Researchers have established that one of the chemicals in dark chocolate, theobromine, can stimulate the heart and help the arteries dilate. Learn more about calorie deficits…. An interesting fact about chocolate is how the Aztecs used cacao beans as a form of currency. The Swiss consume the most chocolate per capita, although the US produces the most chocolate and … There have been a lot of debates on this. 3. Popular Recipes. TAGS. Jan 24, 2013 - Latest trends and guidance on food, nutrition, and recipes for general healthy living and chronic illnesses. Considering that heart disease is the number one killer and that dark chocolate has been shown to substantially reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, I believe regular chocolate consumption can be a good thing. Ah chocolate, the first love of every man, woman & child. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But what effect does eating chocolate have on our health? Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Fact 2: You would need 400 cocoa beans to produce one pound of chocolate. Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet, but you may wonder what type of milk it's made of. It was also sometimes used in the place of blood during ceremonies. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks (19). It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. 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