Diet freaks, tremble....7 July is World Chocolate Day, one of the most popular foods on earth for adults but especially for children.
Imported to Europe from the American continent, there has always been a real debate about its actual health benefits, or whether it is just a source of sugar without any beneficial properties.
The date of 7 July was not taken at random. There are two hypotheses about this day: the first story has it that 7 July is the day Joseph Fry, in 1847, invented the first chocolate bar. The second story dates back to 7 July 1550, when the new food was first brought from the Americas to the Old World.
Chocolate, after all, is the food that, more than any other, is able to bring everyone together. But what are actually the beneficial properties of chocolate?
Diet freaks, trembling....7 July is World Chocolate Day, one of the most popular foods on earth for adults but especially for children. Imported to Europe from the American continent, there has always been a real debate about its actual health benefits, or whether it is just a source of sugar without any beneficial properties.
Because July 7.
The date of 7 July was not taken at random. There are two hypotheses about this day: the first story has it that 7 July is the day Joseph Fry, in 1847, invented the first chocolate bar. The second story dates back to 7 July 1550, when the new foodstuff was first brought from the Americas to the Old World.
Research from 2006 confirmed that chocolate intake can increase the human body's production of endorphins and serotonin, two neurotransmitters associated with improved mood and sense of well-being.
A study conducted in 2012 showed how antioxidants naturally found in chocolate (flavonoids are an example of these substances), are able to help the body reduce inflammation and improve vascular function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In an article entitled 'The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people' it is argued that the same flavonoids that provide cardiovascular protection may also help improve cognitive function, including memory and attention.
In contrast, research published in 2008 claims that chocolate intake helps prevent cellular damage. Specifically, it appears that antioxidants in chocolate, such as polyphenols, can help fight oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals.
The key thing to emphasise is that the benefits of chocolate are strongly correlated with its moderate consumption and a choice of high quality chocolate with a high cocoa content and low added sugar content. Furthermore, some studies may have limitations and further research is needed to confirm the results.