Hot chocolate, chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies and the list is endless, especially for chocolate lovers, but do you really know what these chocolate treats can do for your health?

First of all, we will talk about the positive effects or in other words the pros of eating these sweets. Scientific research has shown and proven that chocolates contain large amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that help us neutralize some of the harmful chemical reactions that occur as part of our metabolism and during exposure to pollutants. Chocolates are also said to benefit the circulatory system by promoting good blood flow. Some people have even said that they noticed a moderate drop in their blood pressure by eating dark chocolate every day.

Eating chocolate helps you feel good. It increases brain levels of several chemicals, including the mood-altering chemicals phenylethylalanine and anandamide, which produce a mild, confidence-boosting effect. It also contains tryptophan, a chemical that lifts a person’s mood, and theobromine, a stimulant that gives you energy. It is also an anti-cancer substance, brain stimulator and prevents cough and diarrhea. These sweets have a good reputation as an aphrodisiac. Some studies have shown that the sweet also helps slow the decline in brain functions as people age.

On the other hand, eating too much chocolate makes a person overweight or obese. This is one of the reasons many, especially women, avoid eating too much. Factory-added substances, such as fat and sugar, can have an addictive effect. Another big problem that people have from eating the sweets is dental caries, especially in the younger age group, those who eat too much chocolate and have poor oral hygiene. The fermentable sugar present in chocolate has the potential to cause cavities. However, the antioxidants can help offset the potential for acid production to some degree, while the calcium, phosphate and other minerals present, especially in milk chocolate, can also reduce the damaging effects on teeth.

Eating chocolate as part of a balanced diet can certainly benefit us, but it would be healthier to consume this sweet in adequate amounts or quantities. Taste sweet dark chocolate in your mouth and let it melt and fill your taste buds with its enticing flavors and textures. As for the negative effects, everything will be under your control. Just eat enough and you’ll have a healthy chocolate-sweetened life!