How Chocolate Affects the Human Body

Chocolate is a sweet that has billions of fans in every country. From young children to the elderly, everyone adores chocolate, and scientists more often than not give their competent opinions regarding its benefits. We are evolutionarily conditioned to have a positive reaction to fatty and sweet, i.e. nutritious, foods with a high energy value, because in ancient times, foods with a high energy value were essential.

Benefits proven by research

The most frequent research refers to the benefits of flavonoids, which are found in large quantities in cocoa beans, from which chocolate is then made. Experiments have been conducted proving that the systematic consumption of chocolate drinks in adults leads to a decrease in blood pressure by an average of four millimeters of mercury, which, in turn, reduces the risk of a heart attack. Among other things, studies have been known to show that drinking flavonoids helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which improves its function. That is why it is recommended to eat a few slices of chocolate before studying. Accordingly, chocolate has a positive effect on cognitive abilities.

Among other things, chocolate and drinks containing it are an excellent antidepressant, which helps to relax and bring the emotional state back to normal. Also, the catechin contained in flavonoids reduces free radicals in the blood. It is a good prevention of gastric and intestinal ulcers.

Chocolate - medicine or poison

However, it is necessary to keep in mind that the flavonoid content in chocolate is very low compared to the sugar and fats, which have a negative effect on the body. Also, frequent consumption of chocolate, which includes caffeine and theophylline, can cause vomiting and stomach upsets.

Problem skin sufferers are most likely aware that systematic consumption of chocolate is reflected in an increase in the number of rashes on the skin. Sugary treats damage teeth enamel and also affect weight gain.

Today the love of chocolate is equated, albeit in a mild form, with drug addiction. The more often it is consumed, the more the body will lack it. Consumption of sugar stimulates the release of endorphins in the blood.

Sugar: a biochemical point of view

Sugar is known to consist of two types of simple sugars: glucose and fructose. And while the body gets glucose from starchy foods and also reproduces it on its own, this is not the case with fructose. The human body is not capable of reproducing it, and fructose has never been consumed on a regular basis. And if glucose can be assimilated by any cell in the body, fructose can be assimilated only by the liver. And with a large intake, the liver gets tired, and all that is not absorbed goes into the fat reserve.

The bottom line is that eating chocolate, preferably dark chocolate, is a good thing, but, as with everything, it is important to know how to stop in time.