World Chocolate Day: Is chocolate merely unhealthy junk?

World Chocolate day or International Chocolate Day is celebrated each year on July 7. This day is rightly celebrated by chocolate lovers all over the world as they indulge in the sweet treats without guilt.  

No one knows who invented this day. As far as history recalls, it as on this date in 1550 that chocolate was first brought to Europe. This day first originated in 2009 and has been celebrated since then.

Often times chocolate is associated with unhealthy food and chronic diseases. So on this day, let us take break some common myths related to chocolate.

Chocolate is good for heart

Busting the stereotype about chocolates, Bangalore-based nutritionist Hafizur Rahman said, “Although chocolate is associated most commonly with diabetes, it is a lesser known fact that dark chocolate is good for the heart.” 

Science has proven that the chocolate’s composition protects it from (low-density lipoprotein) LDL’s oxidation, thereby reducing the chance of cholesterol lodging in the arteries. It also is rich in antioxidants, flavanols, etc, that are beneficial for the body.

Did you know?

Only chocolate made from cocoa beans are chocolates, white chocolates are not real chocolates.

Chocolates are good for immunity and improve blood pressure and blood flow besides being a great source of supplying energy. In 2016, Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) provided a study, which stated that consumption of about 30g of chocolate every day during pregnancy proved to be advantageous for the development and growth of the fetus.

No matter the amount of benefit, excess consumption of anything can be dangerous for the body.

The nutritionist said, “It is very important to keep a balance in our consumption pattern and only consume how much the body requires. An average built person may consume 30-50g of chocolate a day, but should also keep in mind to shed those extra calories through exercise. Or the consequences may be fatal in the long run.” 

So this World Chocolate Day, take a bite of this divine piece of dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth as long as you shed that extra calorie.

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