Go Cocoa for Chocolate

The next time you eat a piece of chocolate, you may not have to feel overly guilty about it. Despite its bad reputation for causing weight gain, there are a number of health benefits associated with this delicious treat. It is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds and its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. After the European contact in the Americas, chocolate became very popular in the wider world, and its demand exploded. Chocolate has since become an incredibly popular food product that millions indulge in every day, thanks to its unique, rich, and sweet taste. But what effect does eating chocolate have on our health? Over the years, the delicious snack has received a lot of bad press because of its fat content; its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. Chocolate lowers cholesterol. According to one study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, chocolate consumption might help reduce cholesterol levels, also known as “bad fats.” The team of researchers set out to investigate whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols and cocoa have any effect on cholesterol levels. The study authors wrote, “results indicate that regular consumption of chocolate, as part of a low-fat diet, may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure.” Good news for expectant mothers: eating 30 grams of chocolate every day during pregnancy might benefit fetal growth and development. This is the conclusion of a study presented at the 2016 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Too sporty to indulge in this delicious treat? Think again, says research published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The findings suggest that a little dark chocolate might improve performance in fitness training. Look good and healthy eating chocolate!