DARK CHOCOLATES BOON

Chocolates have been so popular among people. We can’t deny the fact that most people love it, from children, teenagers, to adults, royalty or commoners, poor or rich. Its sugary and sweet taste calms and relaxes our mind and helps release our stress. It is then used as presents and ‘pasalubong’. But, are you really eating a healthy food? No need to worry for that kind of query for it was found out that chocolates are beneficial to our health especially dark chocolates. Dark chocolates are loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active which functions as antioxidants the same with cocoa. It can also improve blood flow and lower blood pressure while the bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease of blood pressure. Dark chocolates also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and can protect your skin against the sun. Flavanols (a class of flavonoids, which are also found in chocolate) from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against the sun-induced damaged. Another thing, dark chocolates may improve brain function, consuming high-flavanol cocoa improve blood flow to the brain. Cocoa significantly build up cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It also improves verbal fluency and several risk factors of diseases.

Therefore, eating chocolates is something we shouldn’t be worried about anymore. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that we can now eat all out every day because it is still loaded with calories.  Maybe, have a square or two after dinner and try to savour them some time. Remember, too much of everything is dangerous, and might as be a cliché but definitely true.

-Ma. Angelica Corda