Chocolate is a delicious treat that’s enjoyed daily all over the world. Most people eat chocolate due to its aromatic cocoa flavours and velvety smooth texture. Others enjoy it for the long list of health benefits.
While they’re great for special occasions, some people tend to indulge a little too much. Who can blame them though? This sugary confectionary has captured the hearts of many, but you should keep in mind that it is a treat at the end of the day.
As much as we want to, it’s not a good idea to consume large portions over a small period of time. The recommended amount for the average adult is about 30 to 50 grams per day. Eating the wrong amount can cause weight gain, heart disease, and many other ailments. With that being said, let’s discuss the benefits of chocolate when it is consumed within the recommended amount.
Benefits of Chocolate
There are some misconceptions that chocolate is bad for you due to its high fat and sugar content. However, chocolate is only bad for you when you consume too much. When you eat the right amount, it actually improves your health. Here are some of the benefits of chocolate.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
According to research, chocolate can lower the risk of developing heart disease by approximately one-third. It also suggests that regular consumption of chocolate in the right amount can be linked to lowering the risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders. This is due to the high levels of flavonoids found in dark chocolate that are associated with decreased chances of heart disease.
Besides the flavonoids, the fat in cocoa butter that is used to make chocolate is made up of oleic acid. Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that can also be found in olive oil. It’s a fatty acid that may improve heart conditions by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.
Improve Your Athletic Performance
Although it seems like chocolate can do quite the opposite, eating the right amount of chocolate can actually improve your athletic performance. After some testing, researchers found that a little bit of chocolate right before exercising may boost oxygen availability. The flavanols in chocolate have been known to increase the bioavailability and bioactivity of nitric oxide which has often resulted in reduced oxygen usage.
Another substance known as epicatechin is also commonly found in cacao beans. It has been known to amplify the production of nitric oxide in the body. This means that one of the benefits of chocolate is essentially allowing you to work harder when you exercise and for a longer period of time.
Boost The Immune System
Giving the immune system a boost is another one of the benefits of chocolate. Studies have shown that cocoa in chocolate contains more phenolic antioxidants compared to most foods. The flavonoids also excel in antioxidant activity. Immunity is dependent on numerous factors.
Inflammation is a major factor that contributes to the progression of various diseases. Oxidative stress is another factor. The antioxidants in chocolate provide anti-inflammatory effects and promote blood flow by enhancing endothelial functions. Essentially, these antioxidants protect our immune system while it fights off germs, viruses, and diseases.
Other Benefits of Chocolate
Besides improving your athletic performance, cardiovascular health and giving your immune system a boost, here are other health benefits of chocolate:
- Combats certain diseases
- Improves cognitive functions
- Reduces stress and elevates your mood
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Fights free radicals
- Promote fetal growth
Shop At Chocolate Tales — The Finest Chocolates In Canada
If you’re looking to stock up on some high-quality chocolate to improve your health, look no further than Chocolate Tales. At Chocolate Tales, they have a wide selection of premium, hand-crafted chocolates made with only the freshest ingredients. They’ve got options for every lifestyle!
Find plenty of vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, sugar-free options, and more. Besides their fine collection of truffles, cookies, and chocolate bars they also have seasonal exclusives that make great gifts for loved ones. They even offer workshops and classes for those who are interested in making their very own chocolates. Visit Chocolate Tales today for Canada’s best chocolate confectionaries.