Health benefits and side effects of Valentine's Day chocolates

It's Friday night and Valentine's Day, so eat while playing games.

I bought it~ haha (I'm not sure if my wife will eat it though)

I gave you a little bit~ )

Have a good dream and sleep peacefully♡

 

Health benefits and side effects of Valentine's Day chocolates

 

Today, the 14th, is Valentine's Day, the day to give chocolates to your loved ones. Many people think of chocolates as unhealthy foods, but moderate consumption of chocolates can have positive effects on health. We explored the surprising health benefits that chocolates can provide.

 

▷Prolonged pleasant effects = Cocoa beans, the raw material of chocolate, contain substances that inhibit the breakdown of anandamide, a neurotransmitter. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. When you eat chocolate, this substance is gradually broken down, so the pleasant effects last longer. Chocolate also helps reduce depression. According to a study by the University College London (UCL) in the UK, the group that consumed dark chocolate was 70% less likely to show symptoms of depression compared to the group that did not eat it. Sugary foods like chocolate help lower the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, and promote the secretion of serotonin, which improves mood, thereby alleviating depression.

 

▷Reduces risk of heart disease = Moderate chocolate consumption lowers the risk of developing various diseases such as heart disease. Chocolate contains antioxidants such as flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenols that prevent inflammation in the body. These antioxidant components help reduce inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of developing heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions.

 

There is also relevant research. A study by the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine team in the United States found that people who ate 1 to 3 chocolate bars per month had a 23% lower risk of heart failure compared to those who did not eat any.

 

However, excessive consumption of chocolate should be avoided. 35 grams of chocolate is equivalent in calories to half a bowl of rice, so it is important to consider daily intake when consuming it. When eating chocolate in bar form, it is recommended to eat only about one-third. For health reasons, it is better to choose chocolates that contain cocoa butter instead of vegetable fats and have a cocoa content of at least 55%. Chocolates containing hydrogenated vegetable fats tend to have high saturated fat content, which raises blood cholesterol levels, while dark chocolate contains more cocoa and has stronger antioxidant effects compared to milk chocolate.