Science has uncovered a powerful antioxidant that poses multiple health benefits: chocolate. Yes, it’s true! The yummy, sweet indulgence can actually be good for you. But it can also be bad for you. So should you be eating more chocolate, or should you be avoiding it? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Let’s take a closer look.
Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate
Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains iron, magnesium, zinc and flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that fight against aging. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, improve cognitive function and relieve pain. What’s more, eating a bite of chocolate can make you feel happy.
Risks of Eating Too Much Chocolate
There’s no such thing as too much of a good thing, right? Well, when it comes to chocolate, eating too much can be bad for you. This is especially true of milk chocolate, which contains more sugar than dark chocolate.
A diet high in sugar and fat may lead to obesity, which has been linked to breast, colon, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Type 2 diabetes is also a concern.
How to Eat Chocolate Responsibly
Dark chocolate is good for you if you eat it in moderation, which means you can have a small piece, about 6.7 grams, of dark chocolate per day. That’s about one chocolate bar per week. And the higher the cocoa content, the better. Dark chocolate contains 70 percent or more cocoa.
Chocolate is a delicious indulgence that also provides many health benefits. Just don’t forget that too much of a good thing can actually be bad for you. Consume only small amounts of high-quality dark chocolate containing at least 70 percent cocoa for maximum health benefits without the risk. Go ahead and enjoy a piece — it’s good for you.
