We’ve become rather used to the idea that chocolate’s good for us and are happy to justify our own weakness for the sweet brown stuff when we read some new report about the health benefits. But, with Easter almost upon us, what are the facts?
Chocolate can enhance your health
There’s evidence that polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa and chocolate, might help reduce blood pressure. They might also help cognitive performance, especially in older people, and contain anti-oxidant qualities that could limit cell damage in the body. One study even suggested the sweet treat might enhance performance in sportspeople. Dark chocolate with a high cacao content is best. Milk chocolate has fewer health giving properties.
But—it can damage it too
It’s important to remember that chocolate’s full of sugar and saturated fat. If you gorge on it on a regular basis, you’re likely to put on weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
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