HEALTH BENEFITS
OF CHOCOLATE

Is there such a thing as healthy chocolate?

Here's some information on the potential health benefits of chocolate. Decide for yourself.

[Note: I am not, nor do I claim to be, a medical professional. None of the information presented below is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, 'medical advice'.]

Health Benefits of Chocolate #1

Chocolate may help protect tooth enamel.

• Chocolate contains tannins.
• Tannins are proteins that have been shown to prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
• The sugar in chocolate doesn't cling to teeth since chocolate melts at body temperature and off of teeth.
• The protein, calcium, phosphate, and other minerals contained in high quantities in milk chocolate are shown to have protective effects on tooth enamel.

Health Benefits of Chocolate #2

Chocolate may benefit the digestive system.

• Raw cocoa is rich in flavonoids, plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties.
• Flavonoids can inhibit the development of diarrhea, hence, cocoa's antidiarrheal properties.
• For hundreds of years, South American and European cultures have used cocoa to treat diarrhea.

Health Benefits of Chocolate #3

Chocolate may be effective at preventing persistent coughing.

• Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine.
• Research found theobromine to be almost 1/3 more effective than codeine, the leading cough medicine, at relieving coughs.
• Chocolate also soothes and moistens the throat.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

Other Benefits of Chocolate

Sugar-free chocolate benefits those with particular health conditions.

• Sugar free chocolate was first introduced in the fifties solely for
  food-related health conditions such as diabetes.
• While this does nothing for diabetes itself, it does allow those suffering from the condition the ability to indulge in "sweets".
• Thanks to the buying power of the expanding "diet and health food" market, it's no longer necessary to compromise on taste if you need to eat no-sugar foods.

• Raw chocolate is high in cocoa butter, a fat which is removed during chocolate refining, then added back in varying proportions during the manufacturing process.
• Manufacturers may add other fats, sugars, and milk as well, all of which increase the caloric content of chocolate.
• Unconstrained consumption of large quantities of chocolate can increase the risk of obesity (without an increase in activity).
• Obesity is a significant risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease.
• Consuming large quantities of chocolate in an attempt to protect against disease has been described as 'cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.'

[Note: I am not, nor do I claim to be, a medical professional. None of the information presented above is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, 'medical advice'.]


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