6 Reasons Why You Should Eat Your (Easter) Chocolate
November 11, 2017
EasyUni Staff
Chocolate protects your mouth
This may not make sense to you because sweet food is more likely to cause cavities in teeth rather than protecting it. However, chocolate has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth preventing tooth decay. This is due to a natural chemical in cocoa known as theobromine which helps strengthen tooth enamel and serves the similar protective benefits of fluoride.
However, as most chocolates contain sugar and milk, these two ingredients may neutralise the dental benefits of theobromine. So, don’t even think about replacing your toothpaste with chocolate bars!
Chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease
(Photo source: kidspot.com.au)
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate has natural plant chemical properties known as flavonoids. This useful chemical substance minimises risks of cardiovascular diseases because it produces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects in our body.
In addition, flavonoids also improve our insulin sensitivity, making us less likely to get diabetes.
So, chunk on a small piece of dark chocolate when you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list to keep your heart healthy throughout your fast paced routines.
Chocolate boosts your workout progress
(Photo source: ourfamilysurvivalcenter.com)
Hesitating on spending on expensive sports drinks and protein shakes? Cheer up, because chocolate milk is found to be an effective post-workout recovery drink. Liked by many people for its taste and smooth texture, chocolate milk also aids in relieving muscle pain after you have been doing strenuous or vigorous exercises for most of your day.
Just keep a small packet or bottle of chocolate milk on your bike, backpack or sportbag when you go for sports or workout and say goodbye to muscle soreness in the next morning.
Chocolate serves as coughs reliever
(Photo source: mensnewsdaily.tk)
Coughing your lungs out and still can’t find a remedy? Why don’t you try chocolate? Research done by Professor Alyn Morice, an international cough expert from Hull University, has shown that it is better at treating the urge to cough than codeine cough syrup.
This doesn’t mean you can substitute your cough medicine with hot chocolate or chocolate milk. The liquid chocolate is not sticky enough to form a protective coating with your throat. Thus, slowly biting and shallowing a small bar of chocolate is just nice as it forms a coating to protect the throat’s nerve endings.
Chocolate prevents memory decline
When you watched Men in Black 3, did you wonder why Will Smith’s as Agent J, craved for chocolate milk after his time jump? There may be no definite answer for this but it is surely related to the brain and memory.
Harvard Medical School researchers proposed that drinking two cups of hot chocolate daily may help promote a healthy brain and prevent memory decline among senior citizens. The scientists suggested that hot chocolate facilitates greater blood flow so that the brain can operate faster and more effective.
Chocolate makes you happy
(Photo source: freemalaysiatoday.com)
Of course it does. Most people crave for chocolate for the satisfaction and pleasure it brings.
Ever wonder what causes this good feelings when you eat chocolate? A chemical compound known as neurotransmitters released to the brain as you gobble a portion of chocolate piece. The happy neurotransmitter, endorphin is capable of blocking pain and reducing stress, making you feel euphoric (happy). Moreover, chocolate is also a mild anti-depressant because another neurotransmitter, serotonin is able to inhibit and stop anxiety and negative emotions.
Also, did you know that the smell of chocolate also improves your mood? Yes, take a sniff at your Easter chocolate before you eat it because the scent of chocolate relaxes your mind as the theta brain wave increases.
Bonus info: Technically, white chocolate isn’t a chocolate, as it contains no cocoa solid and liquor
(Cover photo source: winerist.com)
Kickstart your education in Malaysia
We'll help you find and apply for your dream university
You might be interested in...
- Raising Awareness of the Threat of Microplastics Pollution on International Mother Earth Day
- Essential Tips for International Students Studying in Malaysia's Big and Suburban Cities
- Misconceptions About Studying in Malaysia: Insights for International Students
- The Role of Education in Promoting Health Equity: Lessons from World Health Day 2024
- Studying Abroad Tips: What Should You Do Before Coming to Malaysia?
- International Students' Guide to Success in Malaysian Research Programs
- Returning Home or Staying Put: Planning Your Career Path After Studying in Malaysia
- Crafting a Greener Tomorrow: Empowering Change through Zero Waste and Upcycling Practices
- Malaysian Higher Education's Global Outreach: Collaborations with International Institutions
- Initiatives by Universities in Malaysia to Prepare Students for Globalization