Chocolate: Healthy isn't it?

Many food controversial for health have come and gone, but one of the most debated is definitely chocolate. There have been many studies, each of the studies to the production of different claims. The thing about chocolate is that people love the taste and are quite eager to believe any claims of health they read.

The reason chocolate is the focus of many studies because it contains a class of phytochemicals called flavonoids. These flavonoids improveme the circulatory system, and that can also help eliminate free radicals in our body because they are antioxidants.

For many people this is all the evidence they need to scoff all the chocolate bars at once. But you should be aware that the majority of chocolate also contains plenty of fat and sugar that tends to reduce health benefits. Also, if you are looking for antioxidants,increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. Tea is also good.

That is not to say you can not have squares of chocolate occasionally. Chocolate can come in handy if you are out and about and feeling the need of a boost of energy. While out walking, jogging or cycling, for example. Adding fat can also regulate certain hormones in the brain and give us a boot of energy.

Although chocolate may contain fat, not all fats are created equal. The type in chocolate is stearic acid. Usually, it's best to avoid saturated fat, but in this case, stearic acid can actually help reduce the "bad" cholesterol.




What more does chocolate contain?

There has been a lot of press about serotonin so you probably know that can help elevate their mood. Chocolate contains tryptophan that is a precursor of serotonin. Chocolate can also help release endorphins, which you get while exercising.

Then there is theobromine, which is a relationship with caffeine. It is a mild stimulant, helps us to remain vigilant and give us a positive outlook in general, in life. It is not surprising that so many people become addicted to chocolate!

If you believe all the hype about the benefits of chocolate depends on you. You should know that chocolate is not a substitute for fruits and vegetables. A small amount is great to stay healthy and happy, but too much can make the fat. In addition, you should know that the healthiest are chocolate with a high amount of cocoa.