People with a sweet tooth would be delighted to know that eating chocolates would be good for the health. Researchers revealed that consuming chocolates in moderation can provide lots of benefits for the well-being.
According to the published study in the Journal of Nutrition, 1,100 people volunteered to figure out if eating cocoa products which contain flavanols compounds will improve selected biological markers like cholesterol levels and one's sensitivity to insulin. It is the hormone which is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Co-author and director of the Center for Global Cardiometabolic Health at Brown University, Dr. Simin Liu, said: "We found that cocoa flavonol intake may reduce dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides), insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, which are all major subclinical risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases."
The findings were constant even if the flavanols were absorbed by eating dark chocolate or drinks made from powdered cocoa. However, chief author Xiaochen Lin cautioned against concluding, in general, the outcome to add in white chocolates or chocolate candies, due to the content of sugar/food additives could be substantially higher than that of the dark chocolate," as reported by MSN.
Other studies reveal that consuming chocolates could actually make someone emotionally better. It enhances the body's endorphins to function better while protecting the heart from cardiovascular diseases. Chocolates lengthen the lifespan as Researchers at Harvard University in the U.S claimed after studying 8,000 men for 65 years and discovered those who consumed chocolates in moderation (three times a month), lived longer for about a year compared to those who didn't consume any.
According to Mail Online, the conclusion regarding the longer lifespan is because cocoa comprises polyphenols which are a type of antioxidants found also in red wine. This helps in the prevention of oxidation of dangerous cholesterol and also safeguard against various types of cancer.
Chocolate is also a stress-buster since it contains valeric acid known to be a relaxant substance a natural sedative. The sugar contained in the sweet treat showed a pain-relieving and calming effect on both animals and babies as sweet tastes stimulate the opiate-like substances found in the brain.
It is not harmful to indulge in something sweet like chocolates as long as it is taken in moderation. Chocolates provide a lot of health benefits as well as side effects, where tooth decay is one example.
