For many years chocolate has been referred to junk and unhealthy food along with other sweets and has been regarded as an indulgence. The recent studies have shed some new light on its health-giving properties and the attitude to it has undergone a sweeping change. So, let us examine this matter and finally decide if chocolate should be included into diet.
One of the greatest risks related to chocolate consumption is that it is rich in calories and contains saturated fats. Therefore, people who eat chocolate regularly are prone to gaining weight and increasing their cholesterol levels that greatly contributes to developing heart diseases. What is more, chocolate is one of the products with the highest level of lead. As you can see, the warnings of the scientists against eating large amounts of chocolates are not unfounded.
However, the new findings clearly show that one kind of chocolate, namely dark chocolate, has a lot to offer, when it is eaten in small amounts. It is reported to be able to protect our cardiovascular health, as it contains natural anti-oxidants called flavonoids. They help to keep arteries elastic and reduce blood pressure. That boosting of blood flow that flavonoids provide is also good for your skin. Eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate improves your skin thickness, texture and hydration and makes it more resistant to sun damage.
All in all, chocolate can affect your health both positively and adversely. Therefore, it is recommended that you…