Health Benefits of Chocolate and Candy

Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet-tasting treats in the world. The myth surrounding chocolate is that if it tastes so good, it must be bad for your health. But according to the recent researches, if you choose your chocolate wisely, it actually has some health benefits. They suggest that those creamy chocolate confections may actually help us live longer. According to a study of the Harvard School of Public Health the mortality rate was lowest amongst men who ate candy at least three times a week compared with those who did not consume candy at all. Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat diseases such as depression, bronchitis and insect bites. Civilizations from Mexico to Europe have used chocolate as an aphrodisiac. Some studies points to potential health benefits of dark chocolate because it contains more cacao and less sugar milk than milk chocolate and suggest that it can improve blood flow and blood-vessels function, and it may lower blood pressure. Chocolate contains vitamins A, B1, C, D and E, as well as potassium, sodium, and fluorine.

According to the results of studies by universities and other scientific organizations:

Cacao which is the source of chocolate contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. But, by the high sugar content of milk chocolate counteracted this.

The chocolate smell may increase theta brain waves, which result in relaxation.

The cocoa butter in chocolate contains a mono-unsaturated fat, oleic acid, which may raise good cholesterol.

Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, this is mild mood elevator.

The flavanoids contained in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.

Antioxidant levels in the blood are increased by consuming chocolate.

The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

Cacao contains small quantities of the stimulants caffeine and bromine, and they don't cause nervous excitability.

Stearic acid, a neutral fat which is contained in chocolate doesn't raise bad cholesterol.

But, eating too much candy has negative effects on your health. Candy should therefore be eaten in moderation. Chocolate may cause headaches in migraine sufferers.

Candy is high in sugar and the ingredients used to make it are full of calories and, in some cases, saturated fat. Too much sugar can promote cavities and can affect insulin levels, which can raise the risk of cancer, high-blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity and depression.

Candy contains no vitamins and very small, if any, amounts of minerals, which mean you, can satisfy hunger eating them but doing nothing to meet your daily nutrient intake requirements.

Note: All figures are approximate; this site does not provide expert or professional advice.