The history of chocolate used to treat various physical and mental health conditions goes back thousands of years. Some experts believe that chocolate originally came from South America and has been cultivated for over 3000 years in Central America and Mexico. Its earliest documented use dates back to 1100 BC when it was being consumed by the Mesoamerican peoples including the Maya and Aztecs to fight fatigue and increase energy.
Chocolate was not a solid thousands of years ago, but was instead a liquid drink called “xoxolati” which translates to “bitter water”. The Aztecs would cut open cocoa pods, allow them to ferment in the sun for several days and then drink the bitter liquid inside the pod. Hundreds of years later, chocolate became a valued commodity by most of Europe, The United States and the rest of the world.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Employee Wellness? Checkout my Employee Wellness CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)
Health Benefits of Chocolate
It’s quite an amazing fact, but chocolate contains over 300 chemicals including antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E, C, A and B1, B2, B3, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. As counterintuitive as this sounds, cocoa contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay!
Relaxation and Weight Loss
Studies have shown that even the smell of chocolate may increase brain waves, resulting in relaxation and feelings of well-being. Chocolate contains phenylethlamine which is known to improve athletic performance, mood and attention, aid in weight loss and decrease depression. Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before a meal has been shown to cut the appetite in half. The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, which also result in a sense of calm, happiness, and well-being.
Heart Health
The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may increase good cholesterol and enhance heart health. Some experts say that men who eat chocolate on a regular basis may live a full year longer than those who don’t. Among other heart benefits, the flavonoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic and the antioxidants destroy free radicals which are implicated in heart disease. Some studies have shown that small amounts of dark chocolate reduce the risk of heart attack. Cocoa phenols are also known to naturally lower blood pressure.
Brain Health
Experts agree that the darker the chocolate, the better, and dark chocolate is associated with many health benefits of the brain. In general, it improves the many functions of the brain by increasing blood flow to its various regions. Some studies have shown that brain functions, especially those for older adults and seniors, improve by consuming chocolate. Cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine and can stimulate the brain for short periods of time. Other studies show that chocolate delays cognitive decline as people age. There may even be cocoa-based prescription drugs on the market soon for a number of health conditions like diabetes and dementia.
Final Statements on the Health Benefits of Chocolate
Cocoa and chocolate have a long history regarding their medicinal properties and uses. Today, science is finding more health benefits from chocolate, especially for heart and brain health. Chocolate can create calm or stimulation. It may be an effective way to lose weight. It has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. It might extend life, improve heart health and slow the cognitive decline experienced as we age. It appears that chocolate may be less of a food and more of a drug.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Employee Wellness? Checkout my Employee Wellness CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)