Is chocolate good for your health? Understand the healthy limit of consumption | Wellbeing and Health

This week is marked by the celebration of Easter and, traditionally, people give chocolate eggs to family and friends. Therefore, it is common for many to fall into the temptation of devouring the delicacies that fill the pantry and refrigerator.

But this may not be a good idea, after all, it is known that excess calories can cause serious complications to our body. On the other hand, moderate consumption of chocolate, rich in cocoa, has been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

After all, is chocolate good or bad for your health?

It depends on the quantity. An article published in International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences revealed an association between chocolate consumption and a lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking.

Another study, this time published by European Journal of Epidemiologyfound that daily consumption of 5 g of calorie-balanced chocolate is significantly associated with a lower risk of overall mortality from cardiovascular disease, heart disease and cancer.

“So, by consuming 5 g of chocolate per day, accompanied by a balanced diet, you can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The study does not define the type of chocolate, but we assume that it is dark”, he says Cintia SilviaPhD in nutrition from USP.

According to her, dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa in its composition, which, in turn, is rich in phenolic compounds – substances with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune response modulation functions.

Flavonoids (type of phenolics found in cocoa) act by protecting our cells against the effects of free radicals produced by the body.

“Consumption also increases the function of nitric oxide in our body, which reduces blood pressure and increases vascular flow. All of this helps prevent atherosclerosis (inflammation caused by the deposit of fat on the walls of the arteries)”, he explains Vitor Luiz Ferreira Gomespostgraduate doctor in Cardiology and Medical Director of Casa Prontocor Hospital.

But it is important to emphasize that the type of chocolate consumed will make a difference in the effect felt by the body. Milk and white chocolate, for example, have more fat and sugar than dark chocolate in their composition, therefore, they are higher in calories.

“The big problem with chocolate is the calories. To achieve the seductive flavor, sugar, milk and fat are added to some preparations, which can lead to obesity when consumed in excess”, warns Vitor.

For the skin, exaggeration is also not positive: as Fernanda Aragão, dermatologist and master in Investigative Pathology from UFMG, excessive consumption can worsen acne and rosacea. “This is because chocolate contains high levels of sugar and saturated fat, which can act to increase oiliness and inflammation,” she says.

She explains that anyone who does not want to give up sweets, but has oily and acne-prone skin, should clean it properly with a specific soap, hydrate it with an aqueous moisturizer and ensure adequate sun protection.

But, of course, an adequate diet, rich in fiber and without excess sugar and fat, helps your skin look more beautiful. Furthermore, individualized care may be necessary depending on the degree of acne and the characteristics of each patient.

“Skin reactions to excess chocolate vary between individuals and can be more intense in those who do not have a specific care routine. I recommend maintaining a good care routine, washing the skin with soap suitable for the type of dermis, protecting from the sun and using specific products for oily and acne-prone skin”, he advises.

She also says that the use of oral medication may be necessary in cases of severe acne. “My tip is to enjoy Easter without overdoing it with sweets and keep your skin beautiful!”, she adds.

Healthy Limit Chocolate Consumption

Vitor informs that we should not exceed the weekly consumption of 45 g of chocolate. “We should also know that the higher the percentage of cocoa, the greater its benefits. The healthiest is dark and bitter chocolate”, adds the doctor.

Finally, Cintia remembers that chocolate consumption is closely related to pleasure and, therefore, should not be seen as a “treatment”, under strict limitations. “The consumption of 5 g per day, associated with a balanced diet, is healthy. Despite having more cocoa, dark chocolate will have a more bitter flavor. So, eat the milk or white version without exaggerating the quantities and calories too It’s an option”, he concludes.