Side Effects of Eating Chocolate, According to Science

By Ghuman

Introduction

Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed by many people around the world. While it can be a delicious indulgence, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of eating chocolate. Scientific research has identified a number of potential side effects associated with eating chocolate, ranging from minor digestive issues to more serious health concerns. In this article, we will explore the potential side effects of eating chocolate, according to science.

Side Effects of Eating Chocolate, According to Science

Chocolate is a beloved treat for many, but it can also have some negative side effects if consumed in excess. While chocolate is generally considered to be a healthy snack, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with eating too much of it. Here are some of the side effects of eating chocolate, according to science.

Weight Gain

Chocolate is high in calories and fat, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in large amounts. Studies have shown that people who eat chocolate regularly are more likely to be overweight than those who don’t. Additionally, chocolate can be addictive, making it difficult to resist the urge to eat more than is necessary.

Tooth Decay

Chocolate contains sugar, which can lead to tooth decay if not properly managed. Eating too much chocolate can cause cavities and other dental problems. It is important to brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Diabetes

Eating too much chocolate can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is because chocolate is high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Additionally, chocolate can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for diabetes.

Heart Disease

Eating too much chocolate can increase the risk of heart disease. This is because chocolate is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, chocolate can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Anxiety and Depression

Eating too much chocolate can lead to anxiety and depression. This is because chocolate contains caffeine, which can cause feelings of restlessness and irritability. Additionally, chocolate can lead to weight gain, which can cause feelings of low self-esteem.

Conclusion

Eating chocolate can be a delicious treat, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Eating too much chocolate can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, diabetes, heart disease, and anxiety and depression. It is important to practice moderation when it comes to eating chocolate to avoid these potential risks.

There are only a few sweets you may really feel pretty much as good about consuming as darkish chocolate. The confection is low in sugar (so long as you purchase a bar that is greater than 70% cacao), comprises wholesome fat that can really fulfill you, and is wealthy in useful compounds like antioxidants.

Since a nightly sq. of chocolate is a typical behavior, it’s possible you’ll be questioning what consuming this candy can do to your physique—are its advantages as wholesome as you suppose?

We combed by way of research and seemed on the proof to help chocolate’s science-backed advantages. Learn on, and for extra on learn how to eat wholesome, do not miss 7 Healthiest Meals to Eat Proper Now.

woman stepping on scale in pink flats
Shutterstock

One explicit kind of antioxidant in cocoa, a flavanol referred to as oligomeric procyanidins (PCs), has been discovered to stop laboratory mice from gaining extra weight, in accordance with a research revealed within the Journal of Agricultural & Meals Chemistry. To get the flavanol advantages, you need to go for darkish chocolate. These plant-based vitamins are discovered within the cacao solids, that are extra prevalent in darker bars than milk chocolate bars that comprise extra sugar and milk. As a result of this research was carried out in animals, we won’t essentially draw the identical conclusions for people; nonetheless, we do know that lowering your calorie consumption will certainly aid you shed extra pounds. So in case you substitute your nightly ice cream behavior with a lower-calorie sq. of darkish chocolate, you may promote weight reduction.

Simply bear in mind—an excessive amount of of something can result in weight achieve, so pay attention to portion management! Follow the serving measurement.

RELATED: Join our e-newsletter to get day by day recipes and meals information in your inbox!

Happy relaxed young woman sitting in her kitchen with a laptop in front of her stretching her arms above her head and looking out of the window with a smile
Shutterstock

It isn’t simply since you attain for a bit of chocolate while you’re burdened that this darkish dessert is related to much less nervousness—compounds in chocolate really play a chemical position in reducing your stress ranges. Consuming an oz. and a half of chocolate (40 grams) day-after-day for about two weeks may also help you calm down by reducing ranges of stress hormones, like cortisol, in accordance with a research revealed within the Journal of Proteome Analysis. To reap the advantages, you will solely have to eat half a bar chocolate bar (we extremely advocate Alter Eco’s Deep Darkish Traditional Blackout Bar with 85% cacao). As a result of that portion is 250 energy, we advocate splitting it up so you do not eat it multi function serving. Have a bit with some nuts as a day snack, sneak some in oat-based power bites, and have a bit after dinner alongside some raspberries.

Older man and woman holding hands in shape of heart for good heart health
Shutterstock

Your love for chocolate could develop fonder when you study that it makes your coronary heart stronger! A current Vitamins meta-analysis discovered that chocolate consumption is related to decreased dangers of coronary coronary heart illness, stroke, and diabetes. To reap the advantages, the proof means that it’s best to eat a minimal of 1 serving of chocolate every week however not more than 6 servings. The researchers consider that the heart-healthy advantages are linked to chocolate’s abundance of flavanols corresponding to epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins. The flavanols could provide cardiometabolic safety by way of their antihypertensive, antiplatelet (stopping blood coagulation), antioxidant, and anti inflammatory results.

happy woman hands on belly
Shutterstock

Your intestine microbiome — the neighborhood of micro organism, viruses, fungi, archaea that dwell in your digestive tract — has been linked to a number of areas of your well being, from supporting wholesome pores and skin to lowering your urge for food, to bettering your temper. Ensuring the nice micro organism in your intestine are fed and wholesome is crucial for permitting your intestine microbiome to do its job. That is the place chocolate is available in. The cocoa polyphenols in darkish chocolate have been linked to selling the expansion of anti-inflammatory micro organism within the microbiota. In a human trial performed on wholesome volunteers, consumption of a high-cocoa flavanol beverage for 4 weeks proved to considerably enhance the expansion of two strains of probiotic micro organism. This research means that cocoa polyphenols could behave as prebiotics (the meals to your probiotics).

Man sore holding wrist
Shutterstock

A bit of irritation is an efficient factor and the physique’s pure response to stresses. However when your physique turns into chronically infected—mostly by consuming a poor food plan—you may expertise well being points on the mobile stage. Continual irritation has been linked to coronary heart illness, most cancers, and diabetes, in addition to intrude with emotions of starvation and metabolism-regulating hormones. A research revealed in The American Journal of Medical Diet discovered that having darkish chocolate sparsely may also help stop and restore the mobile harm attributable to irritation. Researchers attribute the anti-inflammatory advantages to the cocoa flavanols, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Bolster your struggle in opposition to irritation with these 14 Tricks to Cut back Irritation to Lose Weight Quicker, Based on RDs.