Chocolate addicts be aware!

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Chocolate, the notorious aphrodisiac, causes secretion of certain neurotransmitters in brain leading to enhanced sexual arousal and euphoria. Besides being an aphrodisiac, it also swanks of many other health benefits. It positively affects the circulatory system reducing the possibility of cardiovascular episodes like heart attack. While the poly-phenols present in chocolate inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the anti-oxidants act as an active anticancer agent. Chocolate is also known to be a brain stimulator, a cough-preventor and an anti diarrheal remedy.

However, excess of something is ultimately bad, with chocolate being no exception. Addiction to chocolate can prove detrimental in many ways. There’s a chemical called thio-bromine in chocolate which relaxes the oesophagal spincter muscle, thereby, sanctioning the inflow of digestive acids into the food pipe. This further leads to the sensation of heartburn.

Consuming chocolate in high quantity also raises the risk of obesity. Processed Chocolate, a high-calorie stuff, contains ingredients like cocoa butter, sugar and milk, and can catalyze obesity in the life of a sedentary person. The high amount of oxalates present in cocoa, the main ingredient of processed chocolate, also makes an addict prone to kidney stones. High sugar content in cheap quality chocolate bars facilitates the formation of cavities, and tooth decay. (Hmm…mom used to say that!)

 

I am not a ‘Chocó-phobic’ sort of guy, and I don’t want you to become one either. It’s just advisable to limit the intake of chocolate.  You must have noticed the feeling of euphoria experienced after munching a bar of dark chocolate. The psycho-stimulant nature of chocolate renders it addictive. And addiction is detrimental, no matter what type it is.