Chocolate – sometimes a treat, sometimes a delicacy, sometimes a superfood. For World Chocolate Day this year, let’s take a deep dive into the world of chocolaty, ooey-gooey madness.
Chocolatology: The Biology Behind Chocolate
Cocoa in chocolate is a happy, mood-boosting, brain-supercharging food. It's rich in antioxidants and helps increase blood vessel diameter via nitric oxide, thereby improving blood flow to the brain. This enhances vitality, cognitive capacity, and mood.
Additionally, chocolate can help manage stress and blood pressure to some extent. Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, about the same as a cup of black tea, which can help us feel less groggy and more focused.
Friend or Foe to Our Health?
Given these positive biological effects, why are we often told to limit our chocolate intake? Well, as with most things, moderation is key. The health benefits of chocolate depend on how processed it is. When it comes to your health, opt for less processed chocolate. Pure dark chocolate and milk
Chocolate is your best bet. If you want to avoid caffeine, white chocolate is the way to go. Steer clear of chocolates containing high fructose corn syrup and other such ingredients, as they can lead to a bottomless hunger and are high in sugar, which is bad for your teeth and blood sugar levels.
Which Chocolate Gives Greater Satisfaction to Our Taste Buds?
Sometimes we prioritize satisfying our taste buds over our health. In moderation, that’s perfectly fine. So, which chocolate tastes better? Highly processed chocolates often taste better than less processed ones. Unless you love the bitter sweetness of dark chocolate, you'd probably pick a bag of M&M’s or a bar of Snickers over sugar-free dark chocolate.
Chocolate for the Planet
According to the WWF, cocoa farming significantly contributes to global deforestation, accounting for 70% of illegal deforestation in the Ivory Coast, one of the world's largest cocoa producers. Additionally, many cocoa farmers in West Africa rely on slave and/or child labour. Your best bet is to support small local businesses or look for ethically produced chocolates.
As we celebrate World Chocolate Day, remember that your chocolate choices can impact your health, taste buds, and the planet. By opting for less processed and ethically produced chocolate, you can enjoy this delightful treat while contributing to a healthier you and a more sustainable world. So go ahead, indulge wisely, and savour every bite of chocolaty goodness!