CHOCOHOLICS: 11 Chocolate Myth-busters you ought to know

Many are apprehensive when it comes to the pros and cons of eating chocolate.

We give you the low down on the misconceptions of our old faithful BFF: Chocolate!

1. Chocolate raises bad cholesterol

If you’ve given up chocolate in the name of lowering bad cholesterol, you may have sacrificed the sweet treat for nothing. Studies have shown chocolate does not raise bad cholesterol, and in fact for some people, chocolate can lower cholesterol levels.

2. Chocolate is high in caffeine

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is not loaded with caffeine. Darker varieties are higher in caffeine, it’s true, but not as high as many people think.

3. The sugar in chocolate causes hyperactivity

Children flying of the wall and trying to burn their siblings hair off, may not be caused by sugary treats. More than a dozen reliable studies have failed to find any link between sugar in children’s diets and hyperactive behaviour. The possibilities are: The environment that creates the excitability (birthday parties, holidays, etc) and/or that the connection is simply in the minds of the parents expecting hyper behaviour following sugar-fueled treats.

4. People with diabetes have to give up chocolate

Chocolate does not need to be completely avoided by people with diabetes. In fact, many are often surprised to learn that chocolate has a low glycemic index. Studies suggest that dark chocolate may actually improve insulin sensitivity in people with normal and high blood pressure and improve endothelial dysfunction in people with diabetes. Of course, always check with your doctor before ripping open your favourite chocolate.

5. Chocolate causes tooth decay and cavities

A study investigating the development of plaque from chocolate found that chocolate has less of an effect on dental plaque than pure table sugar. Of course, most of us aren’t snacking on straight sugar, but another study backed it up when it showed no association between eating chocolate and getting cavities. In fact, a study has shown parts of the cocoa bean can actually be used to combat mouth bacteria.

6. Chocolate makes you gain weight

Of course it does. Well, not necessarily. Consuming a small amount of chocolate each of five days during a week was also linked to a lower BMI. Anyone keen on a chocolate diet.

7. Eating sugar and chocolate can add to stress

A study found that eating about 43 grams of dark chocolate a day for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly stressed.

8. Chocolate lacks nutritional value

A typical dark chocolate bar contains as much antioxidant capacity as 2 3/4 cups of green tea, 1 glass of red wine, or 2/3 cup of blueberries. In addition, chocolate also contains minerals and dietary fiber. #JustSaying

9. Chocolate must contain at least 70 percent cocoa to be good for you

The general recommendation is to consume dark chocolate with a minimum of 70 percent cocoa to reap the health benefits; in general, the darker the chocolate, the higher the antioxidant content. However, a study showed short-term improvements in blood flow and blood pressure after consumption of a 60 percent cocoa dark chocolate.

10. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac

The Aztecs may have been the first to believe in the connection between chocolate and amorous feelings — Montezuma is said to have consumed large amounts to enhance his romantic techniques, and Casanova imbibed pre-seduction as well. But studies have yet to find conclusive evidence that chocolate physically gets the fires burning. That said, chocolate is sensual to eat, lowers stress, and may have aphrodisiac qualities that are psychological in origin.

11. Chocolate causes acne

Although any teen will tell you that chocolate causes acne, studies going as far back as the 1960s have failed to show any relationship between chocolate consumption and acne. A review concluded “diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients … even large amounts of chocolate have not clinically exacerbated acne.”

The moral of the story is: Eat chocolate! Alas, eat it in moderation.

Information sourced from:  Mother Nature Networks