WHAT DOES HAPPINESS HORMONE?
Being happy, feeling good is a state of feeling that we always want. Does the chocolate consumed contribute to this feeling? Does eating chocolate make us more satisfied and stronger against problems?
Just as physical wellness helps our body stay strong, mental wellness helps our body increase its productivity and manage life’s tensions. Positive mental well-being not only provides a sense of satisfaction, but also makes one flexible enough to learn new skills, pursue full interests, be creative, and enjoy life.
A recent review published in May 2017 explored flavanols and their effect on brain function. Flavonoids have been shown to improve memory by increasing brain oxygen levels and blood flow. Flavonoid-rich dark chocolate is rich in epicatechin and gallic acid, the antioxidants that help protect blood vessels, improve heart health and prevent cancer. In fact, dark chocolate contains more flavonoids than other antioxidant-rich foods, such as red wine, green and black tea, and blueberries. The ingredients included in chocolate help increase blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow also results in better brain functioning, such as long-term attention span, problem solving, performing various missions, increased reaction time, and improved memory. These benefits help the elderly control mental decline and manage their short-term memory. It has also been reported to have a positive effect against mild hypertension.
On average, 100 g of dark chocolate contains 50-60 mg of flavonoids, while milk chocolate contains only 10 mg. In order not to consume too many calories, the recommended portion is 30 grams per day, but every day consumption should be avoided. Because of its maximum health benefits, dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa will be a good choice when choosing chocolate. Even if you’re on a diet, you definitely don’t have to give up chocolate. What is valuable is that it is consumed in moderation and at the correct time of the day, by controlling its label and content.
Excess consumption of chocolate may have some disadvantages. What are these?
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One of the components of chocolate is caffeine. Caffeine provides a boost in strength and a positive effect on one’s mood, but in large doses it can cause an increase in fear. Too much caffeine can also lead to irregular heartbeats in individuals with heart conditions.
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Chocolate in excess can cause a variety of gastrointestinal distress. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, too much chocolate can make your symptoms worse.
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Chocolate is acidic and acidic foods increase the acid in your stomach. Acidic foods lead to reflux issues, heartburn and inflamed stomach ulcers.
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Chocolate may contain the highly toxic metal cadmium. Chronic kidney patients may have difficulty in removing this toxin from the body after consuming too much.
As Paracelsus said centuries ago, “Every element is poison, it is the dose that separates medicine from poison”… I wish you healthy and pleasant days when you can always maintain the state of stability.
