Pros and cons of chocolate from the perspective of a nutrition student
When we think of Valentine’s Day what comes to mind? If you’re like me, you think of chocolate, and when you think of the day after Valentine’s Day, you definitely think of chocolate. However, it is hard to tell if we should actually appreciate this delicious Valentine’s treat, because many of us have heard that it’s either healthy in small amounts, or it is unhealthy altogether.
Whether you like white, milk, dark, or any chocolate in between, there are many types we may enjoy; but we must be cautious of the amount of chocolate we consume. In moderation, chocolate is fine to eat, as it is not healthy to overly restrict our diet. By moderation I mean something like a small square a day or a full bar once a week.
Consuming an excessive amount of chocolate on a regular basis can lead to negative health outcomes such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. This is due to the high saturated fat and sugar content of chocolate. It is worth mentioning that this occurs when chocolate is consumed as part of a diet that is high in fat and sugar.
Chocolate is not all bad. There are many benefits that chocolate can provide, particularly if we’re talking about dark chocolate. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, meaning that it stimulates sexual desire and excitement, which is not at all a bad thing for Valentine’s day! Dr. Tracey Roizman, who has a background in nutritional biochemistry, discusses a compound found in chocolate called phenylethylamine. It leads to an increased release of dopamine in the brain, initiating that “feel good feeling,” which is why chocolate is so loved.
Chocolate also contains flavonoids that have antioxidant effects which, in short, help protect our cells from damage. Dark chocolate contains the highest concentration of these, while white chocolate does not contain these beneficial compounds. So if you’re interested in choosing chocolate with more flavonoids, choose chocolate with a higher cocoa solid content — this information is often displayed on the front on a chocolate bar.
Clearly, there are both pros and cons to chocolate, which is true of most things in life. Even though I am a nutrition student, I consume chocolate on a regular basis because I love the taste and the good feelings it provides. Moderation is key. Indulge at times, but opt for healthier options like fresh fruit at other times.