What will happen to your body if you eat chocolate every day
Photo: Can you eat chocolate every day (freepik.com)
Does the thought of chocolate bring a smile to your face? Oh, yes. Many of us adore this treat. But what happens if you eat chocolate every day?
This question will be answered by RBC-Ukraine.
The material includes data from the websites of the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health Publishing, and Nutrients.
What are the benefits of chocolate
Chocolate provides energy
Your daily chocolate bar can come in handy when you're feeling tired and stressed.
It's all about the presence of caffeine in this treat. Both milk and dark chocolate contain this natural stimulant.
Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more caffeine is found in one serving. Additionally, chocolate is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the primary source of fuel for your body. And the basic fuel gives you energy for alertness and movement.
While some enjoy a modest energy boost by nibbling on a piece of chocolate, others might get a bit jittery if they're sensitive to caffeine.
According to the Mayo Clinic, even small doses of caffeine can cause restlessness and sleep problems in caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Nevertheless, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults.
But remember, white chocolate contains no caffeine as it is made only from cocoa butter, not from cocoa solids.
Benefits for the heart
This product can be great for your heart health. Indeed, powerful plant compounds called flavonoids found in cocoa may help lower LDL (or "bad") cholesterol levels, improve circulation, and reduce insulin resistance (which is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes).
Furthermore, some studies suggest that moderate consumption of chocolate can lower blood pressure, risk of stroke, and lipid profiles.
Supports brain health
Some studies suggest that flavanols in chocolate may be associated with improved memory.
In fact, a small study in November 2019 in the journal Nutrients linked consuming 24 grams of dark chocolate daily for a month with enhanced cognitive function and productivity.
And these positive effects lasted for three weeks after participants stopped eating chocolate daily.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, this brain-protective property may be partially attributed to the ability of flavonoids to promote blood flow to parts of the brain associated with memory and cognition.
Is chocolate beneficial (photo: freepik.com)
Drawbacks of consuming chocolate
May contribute to weight gain
Chocolate is a high-calorie product. And if consumed in excess, it can lead to weight gain.
Regarding weight gain, particularly problematic is the sugar content in chocolate. Products that cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and insulin levels (such as sweet chocolate) can trigger feelings of hunger and overeating.
Over time, this pattern can increase the risk of weight gain, as well as the risk of diabetes and heart disease. But moderation is key. If you eat a small amount of chocolate every day, you won't gain weight.
Stomach problems may arise
Depending on the type of chocolate, it may contain more dairy products and added sugar. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, and gas—especially if you have lactose intolerance.
Additionally, if you consume a lot of chocolate and are sensitive to caffeine, caffeine can also trigger loose stools.
Also, read about 2 types of chocolate that are better never to eat.
A new study has revealed two unexpected properties of chocolate.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
