Health

Health is something that concerns all of us. Newspapers regularly report contradictory statements telling us how bad chocolate is for us one minute and that it is beneficial the next. In an article for BBC news, published on March 27th 2012, Michelle Roberts informed readers that although ‘chocolate is loaded with calories, it contains ingredients that may favour weight loss’. For many people, this would be a relief, as it encourages the consumption of a delicious product without a single feeling of guilt. Roberts continues to state; ‘Consumption of certain types of chocolate has been linked to some favourable changes in blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and cholesterol level.’ The public rely on the opinions of professionals when it comes to obtaining guidance for health, and I for one know how confusing it can be to try and follow what has been proven to be good for us and what hasn’t. The following video is full of interesting information from dietician Lynn Goldstein.

Another BBC article from August 30th 2011 reports that when tests were carried out at the University of Cambridge by the British Heart Foundation, they showed that the "highest levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke compared with the lowest levels". These statistics present a positive impact of consuming chocolate. Words such as ‘reduction’ are encouraging for us, as it brings to mind possible benefits of our wellbeing. The cocoa bean is believed to be a beneficial product to us because it is considered to be rich in flavonoids, a plant nutrient.

Although there have been many positive reviews of chocolate, information that is provided to us can hide important details. When we hear someone tell us that chocolate is good for us, it automatically gives us a positive feeling. However, you should remember that the scientists are not referring to processed chocolate which has many harmful additives such as sugar. Excessive consumption can result in Type 2 Diabetes and weight gain, mainly due to the number of calories, which already contradicts a statement made previously. Companies such as Boots stock a number of chocolate products designed for diabetics, yet many reviews have been negative towards these. It has been suggested that the ingredients are equally as harmful as a regular chocolate bar.

Chocolate possesses many appealing qualities, from its smell, to its texture and taste. This can result in individuals developing an addiction to the product. Experts have suggested that people use chocolate to deal with emotions, and so excessive consumption is frequent amongst many as a result of this. In an article by Jane Collingwood, she discusses chocolate as an addictive substance. ‘Although there are similarities between eating chocolate and drug use, generally researchers believe that chocolate “addiction” is not a true addiction. While chocolate does contain potentially mood-altering substances, these are all found in higher concentrations in other less appealing foods such as broccoli. A combination of chocolate’s sensory characteristics — sweetness, texture and aroma — nutrients, and chemicals, together with hormonal and mood swings, largely explains chocolate cravings.’ I find it very interesting how chocolate is compared to drugs. A substance that can have such a dramatic effect on behaviour, but I suppose it is something that many people can’t get enough of.