What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Chocolate Every Day
Consuming chocolate daily can result in a myriad of impacts on your well-being. Of course, all chocolate isn't identical - it comes in various forms like dark, milk, and white, all of which have distinct nutritional contents due to their different components. While all types of chocolate can be a part of a balanced diet, it's crucial to understand their unique health implications.
Dark and milk chocolate are often the focus of studies due to their cacao solid content, parts of the cacao plant which turn into cocoa after roasting. These cacao solids are believed to be the source of the proclaimed health benefits of chocolate. White chocolate, however, is devoid of cacao solids, containing only cocoa butter.
Heart Health Enhancements
Both dark and milk chocolate contain cacao solids, albeit in varying quantities. Cacao has flavonoids, antioxidants found in specific food items, including tea, berries, and leafy greens. These flavonoids are known for their health benefits, including their positive impact on heart health. Dark chocolate, containing a higher percentage of cacao solids, has a higher flavonoid content. Some studies, like the one from Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine in 2018, have shown potential improvements in lipid profiles and blood pressure when moderately consumed every one to two days. However, more research is needed due to inconsistent findings in various studies.
Pain Relief During Menstruation
Dark chocolate has higher magnesium content than milk chocolate, a mineral known to relax muscles, including those of the uterus. This could help alleviate menstrual cramping, leading many individuals to crave chocolate during their periods.
Boosting Iron Levels
Dark chocolate is a rich source of iron. If you're deficient in iron, dark chocolate may be a delicious way to boost your intake, particularly if you pair it with vitamin C-rich foods, as they enhance iron absorption.
Cognitive Function Enhancement
There's emerging research suggesting that daily dark chocolate consumption might enhance cognitive functioning. This could be due to the presence of methylxanthines, such as theobromine and caffeine in dark chocolate. However, additional research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Potential Risks of High Cholesterol
On the flip side, overconsumption of white and milk chocolate, both high in saturated fats and added sugars, can lead to high cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Potential Excess Heavy Metal Intake
In 2022, a study found that many popular dark chocolate brands contained harmful levels of lead and cadmium. Regular consumption could lead to issues like developmental problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage in adults and children. Therefore, it's advisable to consume dark chocolate moderately and do some research about the products you consume.
Chocolate production is now being scrutinized for these contaminants, and some manufacturers are attempting to address the issue by improving their production methods.
In Conclusion
While dark chocolate has potential benefits for heart health, cognitive function, and iron deficiency due to its richness in flavonoids, methylxanthines, magnesium, and iron, more research is required to understand these benefits fully.
Still, maintaining a healthy relationship with food is more important than any singular food item's effect on your health. Indulging in a piece of your favorite chocolate, in the context of a well-balanced diet, won't derail your health and might even enhance your food enjoyment.