The Dark Side of Chocolate: 10 Common Side Effects

 

Benefits and cons of dark chocolate for weight loss

It is no secret that chocolate can be a guilty pleasure. However, it is also a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids. 

This article will explore the 10 most common side effects of eating too much dark chocolate.

1) Weight Gain: The antioxidants found in chocolate have a thermogenic effect. This is the opposite of weight gain because it elevates your body temperature and makes your body burn more calories to keep it at an optimal level.

2) Headaches: Dark chocolate contains high levels of magnesium, which can help alleviate headache symptoms. However, if you experience frequent headaches or migraines, be aware that some dark chocolates have much higher levels of caffeine than others.

3) Increased Heart Rate: A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that athletes who consumed dark chocolate had a higher heart rate during a test than those who consumed milk chocolate.

4) Improved Memory: In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Granada, healthy adults who ate dark chocolate daily for three weeks showed improved ability to memorize words, difficulty with verbal fluency, and memory for locations.

5) Improved Vision: Dark chocolate has been shown to improve visual acuity in older adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and people with diabetes.

6) Better Brain Function: Dark chocolate has been shown to improve cognitive function in young adults with high blood sugar levels, possibly because of its antioxidant properties.

7) Strengthens Heart Muscle: A study by researchers from the University of Granada found that eating dark chocolate was linked to increased heart force generation and a lower risk for developing cardiomyopathy.

8) Promotes Good Vision: A study by researchers at the University of Granada in Spain found that eating dark chocolate may help improve vision, especially for those with macular degeneration, a condition that causes blindness.

9) Reduces Inflammation and Improves Gut Health: Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the intestines and is anti-inflammatory, improving gut health.

10) Lowers Blood Pressure: Research shows that dark chocolate may be helpful in lowering blood pressure in people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Foods That Have the Same Effect on Your Brain as Eating Chocolate

Photo by Tetiana Bykovets on Unsplash

This is a list of foods that have the same effect as eating chocolate. The best substitutes for eating chocolate are:

1. Almonds

2. Banana

3. Apricots

4. Cashews

5. Carrots

6. Celery

7. Dark chocolate

8. Dark cocoa powder

9. Papayas

How to Avoid Negative Side-Effects of Eating Dark Chocolate

It is always better to eat dark chocolate in moderation. If you are someone who eats a lot of dark chocolate, it is important to take into account the negative side-effects that are associated with eating too much dark chocolate.

• The first and most common side effect of eating too much dark chocolate is an increased risk of cavities.

This is because the high sugar content in dark chocolates leads to a decrease in saliva production and a buildup of plaque on teeth. 

• The other side effects include weight gain, increased blood pressure, and increased cholesterol levels which can lead to heart diseases.

Niacin or nicotinic acid is a B-complex vitamin found in foods such as milk, eggs, liver, kidney and red meat. It is also available in pill form. 

• It improves the circulation of blood by increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain from the heart and lungs. 

For this reason, it is sometimes used to treat high cholesterol and other circulatory problems such as angina (chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart) and coronary artery disease. One common form of niacin is niacinamide, which typically comes in 250-mg tablets and can be taken as a dietary supplement.

Why Dark Chocolate Won’t Give You a Heart Attack & Is Good For You!

Cocoa and dark chocolate contain antioxidants that may have positive effects on blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors. For each ounce of cocoa nibs, you’ll get a whopping 10% of the RDA for magnesium!

It’s time to put to rest the rumor that dark chocolate is bad for you. It’s actually good for you and can help your heart! Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and lower your risk of stroke. The antioxidants in dark chocolate also help prevent cancer.

Dark chocolate may even be able to improve brain function by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

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