Is Chocolate Healthy?

Two years ago it was reported that the average American consumes 11.5 lbs of chocolate each year!

Contradictory to what some may say about the amount of caffeine in a serving of chocolate: research indicates that it would be necessary to eat more than a dozen chocolate bars to get the same amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee.

Health factors that chocolate effects are both positive as well as negative. The substance Theobromine contributes to acid reflux because it allows stomach acid to enter the esophagus by relaxing the esophageal sphincter muscle: A word of warning to any person suffering from Acid Reflux disease.

The chemicals phenethylamine and serotonin that are in chocolate has been shown to act as a sexual stimulant. Other positives to eating chocolate are its efforts in aiding to a better complexion. While it is true that chocolate that contains a high content of milk and fat contribute to acne, Dark chocolate or “pure” chocolate help to make your skin shine.

The ingredient theobromine has been found to be very helpful in preventing persistant coughing. Along with preventing coughing it also soothes and moistens the throat.

It is no surprise that chocolate has been sent through the ringer time and time again, always coming up with a new excuse to eat chocolate or to keep it out of your diet.

An Italian study is theorizing that flavonoid-rich chocolate can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and also improve the body’s processing of sugar – in turn, guarding against diabetes.

Other things that might be of interest to a chocolate love are to follow:

• Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate.
• The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
• Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
• The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat that may raise good cholesterol.
• Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
• Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.
• The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
• Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
• Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
• The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
• Chocolate may trigger headaches in migraine sufferers.