We've always been told as children not to overeat chocolates since it's not very healthy. The truth is that cocoa in itself is not really unhealthy. The added preservatives and sugar content make it harmful to the body.
On the contrary, cocoa has many health benefits and does not cause any harm. According to the book "Staying Healthy With Nutrition," cocoa has amazing benefits. Its components include antidepressant benefits and also contains phenethylamine that works against depressive moods. In fact, dark chocolate is said to be packed with nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.
Dark chocolates even hold antioxidants including polyphenols and flavanols. It enhances blood flow and sustains one's blood pressure. People who eat a lot of chocolates reduce risks oh heart diseases as well. Cocoa also contains flavonols which are compounds that protect a person against sun-induced damage. It helps improve the blood flow to the skin and thus make it look healthy and hydrated.
Dark chocolate also improves the function of the brain and enhances ones thinking capability. Again due to active blood flow to the parts of the body, the functions of the brain is enhanced and improved. Cocoa comprises of caffeine and theobromine that help improve brain function in a short term. With all of these incredible benefits, chocolates do look tempting and healthy.
However, there is another side to eating a lot of chocolate. The loophole is that most chocolates that are sold in the market are packed with sugar and other elements, making it quite unhealthy. They make chocolate fattening and also cause other problems like diabetics.
Though cocoa in its purest form has many amazing benefits, it is advisable to eat chocolates in a limited quantity always.
