[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate\/","headline":"The Benefits of Eating Chocolate. Yes, That\u2019s Right\u2026Chocolate","name":"The Benefits of Eating Chocolate. Yes, That\u2019s Right\u2026Chocolate","description":"Why Dark Chocolate Can Be Included in a Holistic Approach to Proper Nutrition For decade upon decade, there has been a continuous tug-of-war, so to speak, between parents and their children with...","datePublished":"2018-06-10","dateModified":"2025-04-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/#Person","name":"Marlene","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Edison Institute of Nutrition","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate-f.jpg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate-f.jpg","height":283,"width":744},"url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate\/","about":["Articles","Healthy Eating"],"wordCount":845,"keywords":["Dark Chocolate and Health","Dark Chocolate and Mood","Dark Chocolate and Nutrition","Dark Chocolate Benefits","Eating Chocolate Benefits","Edison Institute of Nutrition","Holistic Nutritionists","Milk Chocolate vs Dark Chocolate","Nutrition Online Courses","Online Training Courses"],"articleBody":"Why Dark Chocolate Can Be Included in a Holistic Approach to Proper NutritionFor decade upon decade, there has been a continuous tug-of-war, so to speak, between parents and their children with respect to the consumption of chocolate. The parents, of course, are concerned about the potential consequences of weight gain and tooth decay for their children, while the youngsters are more focused on enjoying sweet-tasting treats. The intensity of this struggle is often directly proportional to the intensity of commercial marketing for such annual observances as Valentine\u2019s Day, Easter, and Halloween.But there is one important element missing from this metaphorical\/figurative food fight. That is the form of chocolate being consumed, i.e. milk versus dark chocolate. The majority sold, and consumed, by adults and children is milk chocolate. While it does have a sweeter taste, this type contains less of the original cocoa bean that forms the base of all manufactured chocolate, and more milk solids, sugar, and cream. Thus, the warranted concerns relative to a person\u2019s weight and teeth, if their consumption level is excessive.On the other hand, dark chocolate typically has much higher cocoa content, and because cocoa is low in fat and also has good nutritional value\/qualities, this type of chocolate is a much better option for individuals who want to include a modest amount in their diets.Our Holistic Nutritionists Offer a List of Benefits Associated with Dark ChocolateBefore you run to the candy section of the closest grocery or department store, it will be very important to keep some rather pertinent information in mind. First and foremost, the term \u2018modest amount\u2019 was emphasized above because overindulgence of any type of food is not recommended. Secondly, the cocoa content of the dark chocolate should be a minimum of 70%, in order to appreciate any of its benefits.Now that these parameters have been established, here is the list of benefits that people can derive from consuming dark chocolate, presented by the holistic nutrition specialists from Edison Institute of Nutrition:Lower Blood Pressure: consumption of cocoa has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events (situations that can damage the heart muscle) and reported to have cardioprotective properties (protection against heart disease)Antioxidant Properties: cocoa contains many naturally occurring compounds which have strong antioxidant capabilitiesThis, in turn, helps to cleanse the body of harmful free radicals that are thought to cause heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancerHealthy Endothelial Function: the flavonoids contained in cocoa help promote the healthy functioning of the cells that line the inside of the body\u2019s blood vesselsThese cells release substances that control the contraction and relaxation of the vessels and also release enzymes that control\/inhibit platelet clumping and blood clot formationLower Cholesterol Levels: in addition to supporting heart health, cocoa can help to lower LDL levels (i.e., bad cholesterol)This has been associated with the high levels of phytosterols, naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa beansPromoting Healthy Mood: when consumed in moderation, cocoa contained in dark chocolate can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps in regulating mood, as well as behaviour, appetite, sleep, and sexual desire\/interestBetter Cognitive Function: the flavonoids in cocoa are reported to have a positive effect on slowing age-related cognitive (i.e. mental) decline and in helping to support cognitive function (reasoning, memory, attention, and language)Effect on Inflammation: regular consumption of small amounts of dark chocolate could reduce inflammationStudies have indicated that concentration of flavonoids in cocoa is responsible for lowering levels of C\u2011reactive protein, a substance produced in the liver that is known to increase in response to inflammation within the bodyWeight Maintenance: the flavonoids in cocoa, in conjunction with regular exercise, may help prevent insulin resistance, a condition where the body does not sufficiently store and use glucose (sugar) for energy, causing the body to store more fat instead and thereby leading to weight gainFurther Your Personal Interest in Holistic Nutrition Through Our Online CoursesIntrigued by the benefits of cocoa\/dark chocolate? If you are particularly interested in the way that its naturally-occurring compounds work in the body, you may be an ideal candidate to participate in online holistic nutrition courses available through the Edison Institute of Nutrition.Edison Institute of Nutrition is highly recognized for these holistic nutrition courses. Individuals from all regions of the country can participate in online learning programs that can satisfy a number of nutrition-related interests, including:To achieve a better state of healthTo gain knowledge about holistic nutritionTo become a holistic nutrition resource for othersTo pursue professional certification in holistic nutritionFor further insight on our online holistic nutrition courses, from our Introductory Program to our Diploma in Holistic Nutrition Program, call Edison Institute of Nutrition today at 1\u2212800\u2212456\u22129313 or contact us to speak with one of our educational advisors."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"The Benefits of Eating Chocolate. Yes, That\u2019s Right\u2026Chocolate","item":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/the-benefits-of-eating-chocolate-yes-thats-right-chocolate\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]