A craving which is hard to resist is the sweetness of chocolates. Splurging a yummy feeling it, tingles the taste buds in a surprisingly good way. An apt gifting item chocolate is a popular favourite. Everyone digs in reasons to have this delicacy, and we give you three solid ones to go for it.
- Health Benefits of chocolate
- Chocolates decreases heart stroke rate big time- According to a research, it has been found that consuming 45 grams of chocolates per week which accounts to nearly two bars helps in 20% reduction of heart strokes. Well, this gives a good reason for having these munching pieces.
- Chocolates may help in prevention of cancer-A chemical compound called pentamer is present in chocolates which aids in preventing the spread of cancer by suppressing the proteins that help in development and spreading of cancer.
- Diabetes may be reduced by consumption of chocolates as it increases insulin sensitivity which in turn helps to lower the risk of diabetes.
- A recent study reveals that chocolates may be beneficial in reducing coughs. Apparently, it contains a chemical called the theobromine which acts directly on the vagus nerve. This particular nerve triggers the brain cells to cough and hence reduces the coughing cult.
- Blood flow to the brain, specifically the middle cerebral arteries increases by daily consumption of chocolates. So regular chocolates means enhanced blood flow in the brains.
- Harvard researchers have found that having pure dark chocolate adds two years to life and hence increases longevity considerably. Jeanne Louise Calment, who ate two and a half pounds of chocolate per week lived for 122 years, the longest recorded till date.
- Skin benefits
Chocolates have tremendous skin benefits. A study reports that chocolates help in reducing skin breakouts like acne. All the more dark chocolate has a component called the flavonoids that help to protect the skin from harmful UV radiations. So gifting chocolates in UK can prove to be very helpful to the skin.
- Endowing a feel good factor
Guess many have been in a situation where they are feeling low and a bar of chocolate helps to boost up the feeling instantly. Well yes, chocolates are known for their feel good factor as it contains a chemical compound called the anandmide. This is actually a neurotransmitter in the brain cells which trigger good feelings and subdue the negative ones including depression. In fact, anandmide is also found to have relation with greater brain functioning and boost up of energy. So next time feel like going low, treat you to a chocolate bar.
Chocolates are beneficial to the body if taken in moderation. All the more, dark chocolates are further beneficial in respect to simple plain cocoa bars or milk bars. Consuming about 6-7 grams of chocolates is considered ideal; however the intake should not be increased beyond that. Too much of anything can be harmful. But consuming chocolates in moderation can be fun along with fully satiating the sweet cravings. So, the next time you are having a bite, have it with a nutritional angle.