The Wonders of Chocolate

What comes in your mind when you hear the words “Chocolate”? Obviously you will think of something sweet, milky, and delicious. Moreover, for some people who are fanatics with this delicacy, consuming chocolate can make them feel as if they are in heaven on earth. So, what chocolate really is? And is it true that chocolate, which some opinions claimed can be fattening, actually has the beneficial factors for human’s health? 

Chocolate probably is one of our favorite delicacies. However, there are pros and contras regarding to this delicacy. The contras said that chocolate can caused several health problems, such as high cholesterol, acnes, and many more. On the other hand, the pros claimed that chocolate actually has beneficial factors for human’s health.

Chocolate is a food produced from the seed of cacao tree. The cacao itself natively grew on the lowland area of South America. It has been cultivated for 3000 years in Central America and Mexico. The Aztec and Maya Tribes believed that chocolate is the foods of the Gods, and the God of agriculture had sent it from heaven to them.

Chocolate, in the beginning, commonly consumed as beverage. Even the word “chocolate itself came from the word “xocoatl” (Aztec language) which meant “bitter water”. However, in its development chocolate expand not only becoming beverage but also snacks like we know today, that loved by people from different ages.

For those who love chocolate, however, it seems like there is this “guilty feeling” they feel after consuming it. It is caused by general assumption about chocolate itself among people, that no matter how delicious it tastes, it has negative effects to health. Chocolate is claimed to have the effect to cause obesity because of its high level of cholesterol, to cause the growth of acne, and more. But do you know that chocolate actually has beneficial factor for human’s health?

The Healthy Dark Chocolate

Recent studies show that dark chocolate or cocoa might have certain good effects on human’s health.  Dark chocolate has high content of cocoa, which is rich with flavonoids; the naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods recognized as exuding certain health benefits. Flavonoids provide crucial protective benefits to plants, such as in repairing damage and shielding from environmental toxins. It is believed to have the antioxidant power. Several studies have indicated a slight reduction in blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation after consuming about 100 grams of dark chocolate per day.

It is said that small but regular amounts of dark chocolate reduced the possibility of heart attack, caused by cholesterol imbalance. This could happen because of two-thirds of the fat in the chocolate comes in the forms of saturated fat called stearic acid and a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. Unlike other saturated fats, stearic acid does not increase the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the bloodstream. It seems that consuming relatively large amounts of dark chocolate and cocoa don’t raise serum LDL cholesterol levels. On the other hand, some studies indicate that it could reduce them. Small but regular amounts of dark chocolate can lower the chance of heart attack.

 Chocolate is also known to function as aphrodisiac. It has been found recently, that substances in chocolate (theobromine and other chemicals), work as mild sexual stimulants. There is no solid proof about this function, however chocolate is commonly chosen as gift for a familiar courtship ritual.

Moreover, research done by Harvard School of Public Health’s researchers found that people who eat chocolate and sweets for three times per month live almost one year longer than people who eat too much or who stay away from junk food altogether. Also, dark chocolate is believed to have the ability of lowering blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. The study of this, was done in Italy, and showed that three and a half ounces a day of dark chocolate over several weeks can do exactly that.

Just like quoted from what Chef Benty Diwansyah said, “chocolate alone does not cause obesity. But inside a bar of chocolate that sold in the market today, there are additional ingredients that can cause obesity. Ingredients such as sugar and full cream milk. For you who care so much about this issue, you should choose dark chocolate with high amount of cocoa. The dark chocolate has lesser sugar amount and does not contain full cream milk.”

However, although now you know that chocolate, particularly dark chocolate is beneficial for our health, it does not mean that you have to consume chocolate all the time and eat more chocolate products. Chocolate bars and candies are mostly high in fat, sugar, and calories. Just consume it wisely, not too much. And, do not depend your antioxidants sources from chocolate only. No matter what, consuming foods with high fiber is much better for our health. Do not replace the common healthy foods with chocolate.

Sources: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate
http://www.immunesupport.com/
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/ 
http://www.bellaonline.com/ 
http://www.healthcastle.com/chocolate-cocoa-benefits.shtml
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