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So, is chocolate good for you?

An all-round look at chocolate - we love it, does it love us?

Author: Doreen Corbey November 13 2007

Ever wondered how your favourite chocolate bar is made, or what research goes into the development of the next chocolate creation? Not me. I’m only interested in eating. However, I am interested in knowing what benefits chocolate has. At least that way, I and millions of others can be slightly guilt-free, knowing that while we’re munching away, some goodness is going into our bodies.

The key ingredient

The key ingredient in chocolate are ‘flavanols’, which are a type of flavanoid found in cocoa that have antioxidant effects and, in particular, can help increase blood flow. Other types of flavanoids are found in fruit, vegetables and certain drinks like red wine and green tea. Research continues to prove that the rich flavanol content of the cocoa bean can be beneficial; for example, it can significantly improve cardiovascular health (taken from Science Daily US).

Chocolate myths

Research has also striven to dispel the myths about chocolate. It is not the trigger to various symptoms including acne, allergies and migraine headaches. It does, however, contain caffeine, so a hot chocolate just before bed may not be the aid to a good night’s sleep as previously believed. However, the caffeine content in chocolate is less than in de-caffeinated coffee.

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Chocolate does not contain high cholesterol, indeed dark chocolate can reduce LDL cholesterol (Chocolate Manufacturers Assoc). In a study by Holland’s National Institute for Public Health they claimed that chocolate contains up to four times the antioxidants found in green tea, dark choc that is. Don’t get too excited though. Chocolate comes mixed with butters and saturated fats and sugar, so it’s still healthier to indulge in green tea.

The mood-booster

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, consumption of chocolate is linked to longer life. However, they are talking of a few pieces a month. Moderation is the key, of course. I’ve heard that a square of dark chocolate containing at least 50% cocoa solids per day can be beneficial. Psychologically, chocolate is a mood-booster; it boosts serotonin and endorphin levels which give you that feel-good factor. Unfortunately, this is actually quite addictive and this is where the “moderation is key” advice seems to fall on deaf ears.

While we’re on the subject of mood-boosters, did you know that talking to someone can boost immunity and raise levels of serotonin? Talking to a good friend plus eating chocolate sounds like the ultimate!

Chocolate and the sun

The best bit of all comes from recent research in the Journal of Nutrition, which reported that consuming dark chocolate can protect the skin from sun damage, help increase blood flow to the skin and reduce roughness. Again, moderation and good dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in minerals including magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, potassium and zinc, although the levels vary greatly depending on the quality of the chocolate and its manufacture.

An energy boost

Chocolate is a good energy booster. During the Gulf War, a US chocolate manufacturer was shipping out boxes of the stuff to its troops. This had also been done previously in WWII. It fed the troops because of its high fat and nutritional content, and may have also helped keep them alert due its caffeine content.

Savoury chocolate

The cocoa bean was originally used for savoury rather than sweet dishes. The ancient Mayans called the plant the “food of the gods” and drew images of the cocoa pod. The Aztecs, as well as the Mayans, then enjoyed the crushed beans as a bitter beverage, sometimes flavoured with chilli. They believed it imparted wisdom and mental alertness. To this date, the Mexicans have a famous sauce made of cocoa beans. Called Mole, it is savoury, not sweet. If you ever look for chocolate bars with a high percentage of cocoa, you will see that there is less sugar, cocoa butter and milk than in other bars like milk chocolate and some mass-produced ones. The result is a slight bitterness and when you get to 80% cocoa content, it is quite bitter, hardly sweet, and pleasantly filling. So, if you come across a recipe that mixes chocolate with chicken, don’t turn away in disgust. It could be a stimulating and nutritious meal!

The final verdict

Unfortunately for me and other chocolate binge-eaters, the final conclusion is that chocolate is only healthy in moderation, and only with dark chocolate containing over 50% cocoa.

Choco-trivia

1. Switzerland consumes the most chocolate per person, closely followed by Austria and Ireland. The UK is 7th.
2. If you want to indulge in chocolate and alcohol together, the best pairs are white chocolate with champagne or fizzy wine; dark chocolate with red wine.
3. More chocolate is eaten in the winter than in any other season.
4. 66% of chocolate is eaten between meals, while 22% of chocolate is eaten between 8pm and midnight. (Taken from World Atlas of Chocolate.)

About the Author

Doreen has had a passion for massage since she was 15 years old. She still has that passion, and offers massage, specialist facials and other beauty treatments in her home-based salon in Surrey. With any energy left over she will devour all the beauty pages of all the magazines she can lay her hands on!

Doreen's homepage: Bellessence