Can we enjoy our Chocolate Easter Eggs guilt free?  My HealthPortal examines to evidence to see if chocolate could be our favourite health food!!

We love to give and receive chocolate eggs at Easter, a modern take on the old tradition of giving decorated hen’s eggs. So just how much harm are we doing if we indulge ourselves once in a while? 

It turns out that Chocolate (in moderation) does not carry any risk to health. And more than that – it probably does our bodies and our minds quite a lot of good.

But Why? 

First of all, the glorious taste of chocolate. You probably know numerous self professed ‘chocoholics’ and also many people who abstain from indulging themselves for a number of reasons….But do you know a single person who does not like chocolate? 

But it is not only the taste of chocolate that contributes to its feel-good factor. There is a chemical reaction in our bodies when we eat it – chocolate causes our bodies to release endorphins which give us a natural ‘high’. Chocolate also contains serotonin (a natural antidepressant) and the stimulant chemicals theobromine and phenylethylamine. There are actually over 300 chemicals in chocolate and to this day scientist are not 100% sure how it makes us feel so good.

Chocolate is an excellent source of catechins which are polyphenols of the flavenol group. These substances are antioxidants and are protective against heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions.

In 2002 a study was published in the American Journal of Clincal Nutrition that suggested the antioxidants in chocolate may increase good cholesterol (HDL) by about 10%.

Researchers at the Italian University of St L’Aquila in 2005, found that eating 100g of dark chocolate every day for 15 days actually lowered blood pressure. There was also a suggestion that the body’s ability to metabolise sugar might be improved.

The Flavenols are responsible for neutralizing potentially cell damaging free radicals. Other foods containing flavenols (red wine, tea) are known to have a similar effect.

The good news is that even diabetics can enjoy dark chocolate like everyone else. But remember that even dark chocolate does contain sugar, and is high in fat. 

The most important thing for maintaining your body’s health is to eat a healthy and balanced diet – with plenty of fruit and vegetables – and take regular exercise.

That will leave you able to enjoy your chocolate egg with a clear conscience and the knowledge that you are not doing yourself any harm.