Although chocolate is eaten with pleasure, consumption of chocolate cocoa / dark chocolate has been shown to affect circulatory system in a beneficial way . Other studies were performed to demonstrate its anticancer effects by stimulating the brain, inhibits the cough and diarrhea centers.



Despite the possible benefits , the excessive consumption of chocolate can promote obesity and development of diabetes. A study presented by BBC showed that during the melting chocolate in the mouth, the human brain is growing electrical activity and heart rate increases more than during a passionate kiss and the feeling lasts four times longer.

Recent studies have shown some potential benefits to our health due to the bittersweet chocolate and cocoa consumption. Cocoa is a powerful natural antioxidant, protecting against oxidation of lipo-proteins, more than other foods or drinks. Some trials have also shown the effects of reducing blood pressure and improving blood vessel dilation due to increased traffic as a result of daily consumption chocolate.

However consumption of milk chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, fatty chocolate may have negative effects on your bodies in terms of the fat tissue and weight. Acting differently from other unsaturated fats, stearic acid does not increase blood cholesterol levels. Consumption of chocolate in relatively large quantities does not increase cholesterol levels, but in the same time it is not very indicated because of the large amount of sugar that your body must process.

Popular culture has given chocolate romantic powerful aphrodisiac properties, often being associated with sensual pleasures caused by its consumption. Also the composition of fat and sugar such as chocolate stimulates the hypothalamus, inducing a pleasant feeling. Although serotonin has a stimulating effect, in large amounts it is converted to melatonin which leads to a reduction in terms of sexual activity.

Results obtained in the laboratory show the anticancer properties of flavonoids, contained in cocoa beans and cocoa has. Mars Incorporated, an American confectionery company, annually spends considerable sums on flavonoids research. The company is in negotiations with a pharmaceutical company to market a product based on the flavonoids components synthesized from cocoa beans. According to the research sponsored by Mars Inc.. Harvard University, University of California and several research laboratories at universities in Europe, drugs cocoa could help treat diabetes, dementia and other diseases.

Some studies even indicate that besides the fact that chocolate is healthy, it also reduces persistent cough. The active ingredient in combating cough, theobromine is a treatment three times more effective than codeine, the main drug used for cough. The chocolate has a local calming and re- hydration action of the lining of the throat.

The major concern of nutritionists is that, although the consumption of chocolate may positively affect the prevalence of biomarkers that can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, consuming large quantities also has its downfall, in the shape of obesity and in rare cases diabetes. To conclude, chocolate may have a dual effect, promoting obesity, but in the same time offering the benefits that flavonoid offer to our bodies.