Although it always makes me chuckle a little to see Easter eggs appearing for the first time in supermarkets at the end of December, there are few people who aren’t happy to receive a bit of chocolate every year.
It makes sense that too much chocolate could be harmful because of the high fat and sugar content in most products.
But what should we think of common claims that consuming some chocolate is actually good for you?
Thankfully, there is a fair amount of evidence that indicates, in the right situations, chocolate may be both advantageous for your heart and beneficial for your mental state.
In reality, chocolate – or more specifically cacao, the raw, unrefined bean – is a medicinal marvel. It contains many different active compounds which can produce pharmacological effects within the body, like medicines or drugs.
Compounds that cause neurological effects in the brain need to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective shield which prevents harmful substances – like toxins and bacteria – from entering the delicate nervous tissue.
One of these is the compound theobromine, which is also found in tea and contributes to its bitter taste. Tea and chocolate also contain caffeine, to which theobromine is related as part of the purine family of chemicals.
These chemicals, among others, contribute to chocolate’s habit-forming nature. They have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where they can affect the nervous system.
They are therefore known as psychoactive chemicals.
What effects can chocolate have on mood? Well, a systematic review examined a group of studies which looked at the feelings and emotions associated with consuming chocolate. Most showed improvements in mood, anxiety, energy and states of arousal.
Some noted the feeling of guilt, which is perhaps something we’ve all felt after one too many Dairy Milks.
Health benefits of cocoa
There are other organs, aside from the brain, that might benefit from the medicinal effects of cocoa. For centuries, chocolate has been used as a medicine to treat a long list of diseases including anaemia, tuberculosis, gout and even low libido.
These might be false claims but there is evidence to suggest that eating cacao has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. First, it can prevent endothelial dysfunction. This is the process through which arteries harden and get laden down with fatty plaques, which can in turn lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Eating dark chocolate may also reduce blood pressure, which is another risk factor for developing arterial disease, and prevent formation of clots which block up blood vessels.
Some studies have suggested that dark chocolate might be useful in adjusting ratios of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can help protect the heart.
Others have examined insulin resistance, the phenomenon associated with type 2 diabetes and weight gain. They suggest that the polyphenols – chemical compounds present in plants – found in foodstuffs like chocolate may also lead to improved control of blood sugars.
Chocolate poisoning
Although some people may see chocolate as a remedy, it can be a toxin for others.
It’s well known that consuming caffeine and theobromine is extremely poisonous for pets. Dogs are especially impacted because they tend to eat a lot and are not very picky.
The main issue is usually dark chocolate, which can cause symptoms of restlessness, stiff muscles, and even seizures. In certain situations, if taken in large amounts, it can result in unconsciousness and irregular, potentially fatal heartbeats.
Some substances in chocolate have also been found to have potentially harmful effects in humans. Chocolate contains oxalate, which, along with calcium, is a major component of kidney stones.
Some medical experts have advised against consuming foods rich in oxalate, such as spinach and rhubarb, as well as chocolate, for people who experience recurring kidney stones.
So, what does all this mean for our chocolate consumption habits? Research suggests choosing chocolate with a high cocoa content and minimal additives. The potential negative effects of chocolate are more related to fat and sugar, which might nullify any potential benefits.
A daily intake of 20g-30g of plain or dark chocolate with cocoa solids over 70% – as opposed to milk chocolate, which contains less solids, and white chocolate, which contains none – could bring greater health benefits and a more intense experience.
But regardless of the type of chocolate you prefer, please do not give it to the dog.
By Dan Baumgardt, senior lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol
This article is reproduced from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
