Have you ever wondered what the benefits of eating chocolate are? Probably not, but I’ll tell you, so you can tell your mom that chocolates are good for you, and that it’s not an addiction.
The first benefit is that chocolate contains antioxidants, which can lower blood pressure and decrease blood clotting in the circulation of the heart, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Cocoa beans are also found in chocolate and they contain flavonoids. They help fight against the common causes of diseases and reduce stress. In the words of the National Institute of Health, “Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.”
Another benefit of chocolate is it protects human skin from UV rays for a longer period of time compared to those who do not consume chocolate. A study from Medical News Today revealed 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.”
The last benefit is that it boosts athletic performance due to its epicatechin contents.
Epicatechin increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which further encourages blood circulation. It also reduces how much oxygen an athlete uses during exercise. Beetroot juice actually has the same effect.
In conclusion, because of the antioxidants and flavonoids in chocolate, it is much healthier for the human body than many people assume. Because of the premonition that it is simply a sweet treat, most shy away from it and opt for “healthier” choices. However, it is a food that is densely packed with health benefits when consumed in healthy amounts; a fact that should be advertised.
