The Benefits of Chocolate

Understand Chocolate

Most people feel guilty when they are eating chocolate. However, after you read this post, you may not feel as guilty as before. Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds. Its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. After the European discovery of the Americas, chocolate became very popular in the wider world, and its demand exploded.

Chocolate has since become a popular food product that millions enjoy every day, thanks to its unique, rich, and sweet taste.

But what effect does eating chocolate have on our health? Benefits of chocolate are:

1. Very nutritious

2. Reduce cholesterol

3. Reduce risk of heart disease

4. Improve brain function

5. Improve athlete performance

6. Powerful source of antioxidants

Light vs. dark chocolate

Manufacturers of light, or milk, chocolate, claim that their product is better for health because it contains milk, and milk provides protein and calcium. Supporters of dark chocolate point to the higher iron content and levels of antioxidants in their product.

Here is the sample of nutrients in light chocolate and dark chocolate:

The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of cocoa, and so, in theory, the higher the level of antioxidants there will be in the bar.

However, nutrients vary widely in commercially available chocolate bars, depending on the brand and type you choose. It is best to check the label if you want to be sure of the nutrients.

Unsweetened chocolates and 100-percent cocoa products are available for purchase online, and at some grocery and health food stores.