Chocolate has long been one of the world's favorite desserts. But it is a guilty pleasure, as hard to resist as it is to give in to completely. This chapter of our 'Beauty Tips' will unveil the pros and cons of chocolate. You make your own choice!
Research has revealed that the flavonoid in chocolate helps prevent some cancers and stops fat from clogging up our blood vessels. Chocolate increases the blood circulation, thereby reducing the risk of high-blood pressure, and also helps alleviate diarrhea. The theobromine present in chocolate acts like caffeine and works to stop chronic coughs.
Chocolate is also known to brighten the skin, to the extent that many have even applied chocolate to their skins during their spa sessions. It is believed that vitamin A and E in chocolate helps keep in the skin's moisture, thereby slowing the process of aging and wrinkling. Magnesium in chocolate helps relax fatigued muscles. And if you were wondering why chocolate makes you feel so good, there's an explanation for that, too! The phenylethylamine in chocolate is believed to be responsible for the feelgood factor that overcomes those
who have just indulged.
But nothing's perfect. Phenylethylamine, theobromine and caffeine tend to increase the sugar level in the blood system as well as blood pressure. Chocolate is also a source of energy as a result of its riches of carbohydrate, iron, and vitamins A, D and K, but there is such as thing as too much of a good thing.
This kind of energy can trigger ailments such as obesity and high-blood pressure.
As our elders have always said, "Whatever you do, do it in moderation.'