The Truth About Chocolates

I couldnâ€™t believe my eyes when I read the news that chocolates are good for health! As I browsed the net looking for more information about it, I jumped with delight â€“ chocolates ARE good for health! I was flooded with articles on my computer screen, all claiming that chocolates, the dark ones among them, have flavonoids that are beneficial for the body.

At last, chocolates have managed to get into the good books of doctors! Now, letâ€™s see what this flavonoid thing is.

The Flavonoid Flavor!
Flavonoids, present in dark chocolates, are rich in antioxidants. They contribute to reducing the blood pressure and cholesterol, thus, preventing the formation of blood clots. Having a bar of chocolate also boosts your energy to a certain degree, makes you feel less anxious, relives your pain, and makes you feel cheerful.

In addition to this, the antioxidants kick off the free radicals from your body, preventing premature aging. Well, thatâ€™s why there are chocolate facials being done in spas and salons, right?

What About The Fat?
Sorry to say, guys, chocolates DO contain high fat! And not ALL chocolates contain the same level of flavoniods. So, one chocolate might not be as healthy as the other. Besides, eating a chocolate bar everyday is NOT a healthy option either.

ONLY dark chocolates contain enough flavonoids to induce health benefits. This is because such chocolate is not exposed to much processing as compared to other types. So, if you are consuming chocolate powder, chocolate syrup, and milk chocolate, you WONâ€T get any benefit. On the contrary, they are high in fat and sugar. You may become fat!

Chocolates are like vegetables. The more you process them, the more they lose their health benefits. When you cook vegetables, they lose a few of their essential nutrients. Similarly, when you process chocolates, they lose a high amount of flavonoids.

Excess Is Always Harmful
That dark chocolates are good for health doesnâ€™t mean that you eat handful of bars each time you get a craving. Fifty grams is ok; more than that and you are headed towards health hazard.

For those who are counting calories, chocolates are not the best thing to gorge on. However, a bar or two once a while is certainly not harmful. And for those who always feel a pang of guilt after eating a chocolate, this is good news! Now, you can relish the hot chocolate sundae with utmost pleasure!