Chocolates and your relationship with it: The good and the bad

swareena shaw

You love having chocolates and you think it's bad for you, but eating chocolate in moderation can be really good for your health. Here are a few reasons that tell us the positive side of chocolate

It is said that having a cup of hot chocolate can actually keep your brain healthy and help in reducing memory decline. Flavonols in chocolate have a positive benefit to your system and they help in brain functioning such as better reaction time, visual awareness.
It helps in increasing heart health. The antioxidants have shown to reduce high blood pressure (dark chocolate), reducing the risk of clotting and the increasing of blood flow in your system thus reducing the risks of strokes.
Immune system: Flavonols also reduce oxidative stress which is an imbalance caused by radical cells fighting. Epicatechin It also helps in processing and using insulin better and to prevent and combat diseases.
The epicatechin in chocolate also boosts up your body which supports circulation of blood and it will help people who workout or do sports.

But on the other side chocolate also can also be harmful for our body and system.

Tooth decay: chocolate contain high sugar that leads to tooth decay - cavities and gum disease
Weight gain: due to its high contain of sugar and calories which leads to weight gain
Chocolates contain caffeine: as well and therefore consuming excessive chocolate leads to sleeplessness, nervousness, and a fast heartbeat.
Eating too much chocolate: can also lead to gastrointestinal diseases as well as heartburn and can increase the risk of acne too.

A precaution that nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee revealed is one disadvantage of eating dark chocolate. She added, "There is a small caution, it is also rich in heavy metals like cadmium and lead and these come from the soil.” to NDTV

HOW TO HAVE GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH CHOCOLATES

Eat in moderation: It is important to not overeat it especially during times of extreme stress and anxiety, could lead to stomach issues or tooth decay as such instead eating small amounts of dark chocolate can be very helpful to reduce stress.
Set a limit to your intake, try to break the habit of excessive eating of chocolate. Consume yourself in any activity or anything they will distract your mind. Give it a break and indulge in like once a week
Consider chocolate as a treat and enjoy it instead of seeing it as a staple food. Enjoy the taste and savor it.

“you need to reduce consumption or maybe just take it twice a week and not after every meal” says nutritionist Anjali Mukherjee