Welcome to Chocolate Lovers Paradise. Are you a chocolate lover or a connoisseur of fine chocolates? Here and you will find the outlet for your chocolate cravings.
Business owners, do not miss your chance to capitalize on this huge industry. Chocolate fondue is a huge eye catcher for weddings, parties and catering events.
The origins of chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations in Central America. ‘Theobroma cacao’, meaning ‘food of the gods’, was prized for centuries by the Central American Mayan Indians, who first enjoyed a much-prized spicy drink called ‘chocolatl’, made from roasted cocoa beans.
The Aztecs introduced cocoa to the Spaniards, who took it back to Europe in the 16th century. However it was very expensive, so only the rich could afford it. Chocolate was exclusively for drinking until the early Victorian times when a technique for making solid ‘eating’ chocolate was devised. (See ref 1 below)
Chocolate is Divine
So even back then chocolate was highly coveted by the common man and royalty. Several tons of chocolate are consumed yearly of the sweet confection. It is heavenly. Having a piece after a meal, divine. A piece with a glass of fine wine enhances the taste. Sometimes, we do not need a reason to eat chocolate, We just do!!!
But can all this chocolate consumption be good for me. Let’s see. This is what Medical News Today has to say on the subject. (see ref 2 below)
The next time you eat a piece of chocolate, you may not have to feel so guilty about it. Despite its bad reputation for causing weight gain,a number of health benefits may be associated with this delicious treat.
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, chocolatebecame 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?
Chocolate consumption has long been associated with conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
Chocolate is believed to contain high levels of antioxidants.
Some studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline.
Chocolate contains a large number of calories.
People who are seeking to lose or maintain weight should eat chocolate only in moderation.
Benefits
Does chocolate have any health benefits?
Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
However, according to a review of chocolate’s health effects published in the Netherlands Journal of Medicine, it’s not all bad news.The authors point to the discovery that cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, contains biologically active phenolic compounds.
This has changed people’s views on chocolate, and it has stimulated research into how it might impact aging, and conditions such as oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and atherosclerosis.
Chocolate’s antioxidant potential may have a range of health benefits. The higher the cocoa content, as in dark chocolate, the more benefits there are. Dark chocolate may also contain less fat and sugar, but it is important to check the label.
It is important to note that the possible health benefits mentioned below came from single studies. More research is needed to confirm that eating chocolate can really improve people’s health.
In addition, chocolate bars do not contain only cocoa. The benefits and risks of any other ingredients, such as sugar and fat, need to be considered.
1) Cholesterol
One study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests that chocolate consumption might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as “bad cholesterol.”
The researchers set out to investigate whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols (PS) and cocoa flavanols (CF) have any effect on cholesterol levels.
The authors concluded: “Regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF, as part of a low-fat diet, may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure.”
2) Cognitive function
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.
The researchers found that hot chocolate helped improve blood flow to parts of the brain where it was needed.
Lead author, Farzaneh A. Sorond, said:
“As different areas of the brain need more energy to complete their tasks, they also need greater blood flow. This relationship, called neurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
Results of a lab experiment, published in 2014, indicated that a cocoa extract, called lavado, might reduce or prevent damage to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This extract could help slow symptoms such as cognitive decline.
Another study, published in 2016 in the journal Appetite, suggests eating chocolate at least once weekly could improve cognitive function.
3) Heart disease
Research published in The BMJ, suggests that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third.
Based on their observations, the authors concluded that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.
They call for further experimental studies to confirm whether consuming chocolate is beneficial.
4) Stroke
Canadian scientists, in a study involving 44,489 individuals, found that people who ate chocolate were 22 percent less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not. Also, those who had a stroke but regularly consumed chocolate were 46 percent less likely to die as a result.
A further study, published in the journal Heart in 2015, tracked the impact of diet on the long-term health of 25,000 men and women.
The findings suggested that eating up to 100 grams (g) of chocolate each day may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
5) Fetal growth and development
Eating 30 g of chocolate every day during pregnancy might benefit fetal growth and development. This is according to a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA.
6) Athletic performance
Findings published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggest that a little dark chocolate might boost oxygen availability during fitness training
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.
How do the nutrients compare?
Here are some sample nutrient levels in light and dark chocolate,
Nutrient
Light (100 g)
Dark (100 g)
Energy
531 kcal
556 kcal
Protein
8.51 g
5.54 g
Carbohydrate
58 g
60.49 g
Fat
30.57 g
32.4 g
Sugars
54 g
47.56 g
Iron
0.91 mg
2.13 mg
Phosphorus
206 mg
51 mg
Potassium
438 mg
502 mg
Sodium
101 mg
6 mg
Calcium
251 mg
30 mg
Cholesterol
24 mg
5 mg
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. This also depends on the brand and type you choose. It is best to check the label if you want to be sure of the nutrients.
Some studies suggest that chocolate consumption is linked to lower body mass index (BMI) and fatness. However, chocolate can have a high calorie count due to its sugar and fat content. Anyone who is trying to slim down or maintain their weight should limit their chocolate consumption. Also check the label of their favorite product for sugar content. As with anything, chocolate and sweets in general should be consumed in moderation. However, you should not deprive yourself of some sweets now and again.
Sugar content: The high sugar content of most chocolate can also be a cause of tooth decay. But to overcome this small problem, just use a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day!!! Sugar content should not hinder your ability to enjoy a good chocolate bar. Unless you have a medical issue that does not allow you to consume sugar, then there are alternatives. Sugar-free chocolate is available from this fine company. So enjoy!!!
Migraine risk:
Some people may experience an increase in migraines when eating chocolate regularly. This is due to cocoa’s tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine content. However, research is mixed. There are not conclusive studies to adequately support either side.
Bone health: There is some evidence that chocolate might cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis. The results of one study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that older women who consumed chocolate every day had lower bone density and strength.
Heavy metals: Some cocoa powders, chocolate bars, and cacao nibs may contain high levels of cadmium and lead. These are toxic to the kidneys, bones and other body tissues.
In 2017, Consumer Lab tested 43 chocolate products. They found that nearly all cocoa powders contained more than 0.3 mcg cadmium per serving. This is the maximum amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
All in all, eating chocolate can have both health benefits and risks. As ever, moderation is key.
Your genes could be to blame. Researchers have uncovered a number of genetic variants that affect what foods we choose to eat. This includes one variant linked to higher chocolate intake.
Could eating chocolate lower risk of stroke and heart disease? Various health benefits have been linked to eating dark chocolate. A new study suggests there are potential health benefits associated with milk chocolate consumption. Click here to get your dark chocolate sent to your door.
Cannot decide what is your favorite? Visit here and create your own assortment to be delivered to you.
Chocolate may cut risk of irregular heartbeat by a fifth. A little bit of what you fancy really does do you good. Researchers say that moderate chocolate intake may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation. In other words, it may decrease your change of heart failure or heart attacks. That chocolate bar is looking better and better!!!
I have heard dark chocolate has benefits too. This is what I have found.
Chocolate in all its forms is delicious and heavenly on the palate. However as with all things, it should be eating in moderation. So, have a piece or two and then take a walk and work off those unwanted calories and fats. A little exercise can go a long way.
You will not be able to resist the temptation. Chocolate has good and bad qualities. So you can indulge your good and bad side by having a couple of pieces. You deserve a few indulgences in life. Let it be chocolate and Wine!!!
