Who doesn’t love chocolates? Those with a sweet tooth find it hard to stop at one bar, and we completely understand! However, making dark chocolate a part of your daily routine can come with it’s own share of pitfalls — besides setting weight watchers a couple of steps behind in their journey! Indianexpress.com spoke to a health expert to understand the ideal frequency of consuming dark chocolate for a safe and healthy experience.
“Eating dark chocolate daily can be healthy, only when eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidantsparticularly in flavonoids, which can help improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain function. However, it’s important to choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) and low added sugars to maximise its health benefits,” shared Dr S M Fayaz, consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.
According to him, dark chocolate has several health benefits, which includes improved cardiovascular health as it contains antioxidant properties, it enhances brain function as there is increased blood flow to the brain, and potential mood elevation through the release of endorphins.
“It lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces risk of heart disease. Additionally, dark chocolate may help improve insulin sensitivity and lessen the risk of diabetes,” he said.
Dark chocolate may help improve insulin sensitivity and lessen the risk of diabetes. (Source: Freepik)
Health risks concerning daily consumption of dark chocolate
“Daily consumption of dark chocolate can pose health risks if not consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to weight gain due to its calorie and fat content. It may also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating and constipation in some individuals,” said Dr Fayaz.
He added that dark chocolate contains caffeine, which can lead to sleep disturbances and jitteriness if consumed in large amounts.
What is the ideal amount and frequency of consuming this food item?
According to him, the ideal amount of dark chocolate to consume is about 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams) per day. “This quantity allows you to enjoy the health benefits without overindulging. It’s best to consume it as part of a balanced diet, along with other nutritious foods, and ensuring you maintain overall caloric intake within healthy limits,” he said.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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