National Chocolate Day

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While many people view chocolate as a “bad” food, there are actually health benefits to consuming the delightful food.And what better way to celebrate than National Chocolate Day on October 28.

Chocolate is made from the Cacao tree.Cacoa beans contain large quantities of antioxidants, a substance that protects the body from damaging free radicals, which are implicated in many disease states, such as heart disease.Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than either milk chocolate or white chocolate, and is considered best for your health when consuming the treats.

Dark chocolate has also been shown to have other cardiovascular benefits.Some studies show that a small bar of dark chocolate a day can reduce blood pressure because flavonoids produce nitric oxide, which relax the blood vessels.Another study found that dark chocolate could reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 10%, and may have an effect in raising HDL cholesterol.Yet one more study found that the flavonols in cocoa prevent fatty substances in the blood from oxidizing, and makes them less likely to stick together and form clots.This may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.(Notice the use of the words “could” and “may” – most of these studies were done on very small populations of people, and the results may not be the same in every person.)

Dark chocolate has mental benefits too.It stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure.Chocolate contains tryptophan, which produces the brain chemical serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant.Anandamide in chocolate mimics the effects of cannabinoids in marijuana and can produce a high – although one would have to eat 25 pounds of chocolate to gain the same effect.

The caffeine content on dark chocolate can also promote alertness and give an energy lift.There is less caffeine in a small chocolate bar than in a cup of coffee, but may be enough to give you a small edge.

Now for the downside:It doesn’t take much to reap the benefits, so moderation is the key.If you choose to eat chocolate for health or for pleasure, be sure to balance the rest of your daily calories to prevent weight gain and blood sugar issues.

Sources for this Article Include: WebMD, Cleveland Clinic, and HealthCastle.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Denise Reynolds, RD is a Registered Dietitian, mom to 2 girls (ages 6 and 3), and bona fide dark chocolate lover.

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