Introduction: Worried that eating chocolate will cause cavities? Worried that it will raise cholesterol and is bad for your health? Today, scientific research shows that eating chocolate in moderation will not cause cavities, nor will it raise cholesterol! Let's now take a look at the 6 health and nutritional benefits of chocolate!
I. Chocolate Misconceptions
1. Eating chocolate raises cholesterol
The cocoa butter in chocolate is a natural fat from cocoa beans, composed of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and other fatty acids in small amounts (less than 5%). Research shows that despite its high saturated fat content, cocoa butter does not raise blood cholesterol like other saturated fats. This is because the saturated fats in chocolate contain large amounts of stearic acid and palmitic acid. Stearic acid has a neutral effect on cholesterol (neither raising nor lowering it), while palmitic acid can slightly lower cholesterol levels. Therefore, the saturated fats in chocolate have no effect on blood cholesterol levels. The oleic acid in monounsaturated fatty acids can lower the body's cholesterol concentration.
2. Chocolate easily causes cavities
A study by the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester, New York, found that milk chocolate and chocolate cookies are among the snacks that cause the least cavities. The researchers' report states: "Milk chocolate is rich in protein, calcium, phosphates, and other minerals. All of these help protect tooth enamel. In addition, due to its natural fat content, milk chocolate passes through the mouth relatively quickly compared to other candies. These factors are believed to make milk chocolate less cariogenic."
II. Nutritional and Health Benefits
1. Antioxidant
Every 100 grams of dark chocolate contains 53.5 mg of "catechols"; every 100 grams of milk chocolate contains 15.9 mg of "catechols." "Catechols" are powerful antioxidants that can eliminate oxidative damage to cell membranes and heart and brain arteries caused by "oxygen free radicals" and have anti-cancer effects.
2. Stress Relief
Mental health experts believe that when a man and a woman are in love, their brains are covered by a substance called phenylethylamine, which produces pleasant emotions. Chocolate happens to contain this substance, thus promoting romantic feelings.
In addition, scientists believe that people, especially women, love to eat chocolate mainly because chocolate can increase the level of a chemical called "serotonin" in the brain. It can bring a sense of peace and the ability to better cope with stress, thus helping to relieve stress.
3. Enhances Memory
Chocolate helps with concentration, strengthens memory, and improves intelligence. Some drivers use chocolate as a mental stimulant to improve their driving skills, and students can also use it to boost their brains before exams.
4. Protects Cardiovascular Health
Cocoa is the main ingredient in most chocolate products and is rich in natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties—flavonoids. Some flavonoids may have anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin. Low concentrations of flavonoids can reduce the activity of platelets in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.
5. Protects the Heart
The authoritative British medical journal "The Lancet" published a U.S. research report, pointing out that chocolate can prevent heart disease. Andrew Waterhouse of the University of California, USA, also found that dark chocolate, like red wine, fruits, and vegetables, contains phenolic substances (flavonoids are one of them) that can kill damaged cells that cause cancer and heart disease. Japanese research also shows that phenolic substances extracted from chocolate can enhance the immune function of the blood.
6. Aids Childbirth
Chocolate is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and various minerals, and the human body absorbs and digests it quickly. Therefore, experts call it a "powerhouse for aiding childbirth." If a pregnant woman eats some chocolate appropriately before delivery, she can get enough energy to promote the rapid dilation of the cervix for a smooth delivery, which is very beneficial for both mother and baby.