Whether in the form of a hot cocoa, a sticky truffle or a piece of heavenly milk chocolate, chocolate is the number one indulgence for most people. But the indulgence of these sweet delicacies comes at a price, doesn't it? The general opinion is that chocolate is full of saturated fatty acids and caffeine and is therefore extremely unhealthy. However, new research shows that chocolate can actually be a healthy part of your diet. Here are the most common rumours about chocolate and what's true:

 

Rumour: chocolate contains a lot of caffeine

Although eating chocolate gives you an energy boost, this is not due to the caffeine content. A 40g bar of chocolate or a cup of cocoa only contains around 6mg of caffeine, the same amount as decaffeinated coffee. By comparison, regular coffee contains 65 to 135mg of caffeine per cup.
So if you feel energised after eating chocolate, it's not the caffeine, but rather the sugar content.

Rumour: Chocolate contains unhealthy saturated fat and increases cholesterol

Chocolate mainly contains stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid with unique properties. The cholesterol content is not increased to the same extent as with other saturated fatty acids. In fact, eating chocolate increases HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.

Rumour: chocolate has no nutritional value

Chocolate contains magnesium, copper, iron and zinc as well as polyphenol, an antioxidant found in tea and red wine. Polyphenol is associated with reducing the risk of heart disease.
Dark chocolate, i.e. chocolate with a higher cocoa content, contains significantly more antioxidants than milk chocolate and is also said to help lower blood pressure. Of course, this does not mean that chocolate replaces antihypertensive medication, but that it can have a positive effect on blood pressure and insulin resistance.

Rumour: chocolate causes tooth decay

Sweets alone do not cause tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in the mouth convert sugar and starch from any food into acid. This acid eats through the tooth enamel and causes tooth decay.
The proteins, phosphates and calcium contained in chocolate even help to protect the teeth. The natural fat content of chocolate ensures that the oral cavity is cleared of food more quickly, while other sweets stick to the teeth for longer.
Regular dental care and oral hygiene protects against tooth decay, whether you eat chocolate or not.

Rumour: chocolate causes headaches

Chocolate is often suspected of triggering migraine attacks, but there is no scientific link between chocolate and headaches. Chronic headaches were once thought to be triggered by certain amines (including histamines and beta-phenylethylamines) found in cheese, peanuts, cured meat, chocolate and alcohol, but recent studies have ruled out chocolate as a cause of headaches.

Rumour: chocolate causes pimples

Many dermatologists now believe that diet plays a minor role in the development of acne and spots. It is now believed that acne is caused by a combination of high levels of bacteria and sebum on the skin.

Rumour: chocolate makes you fat

Every stimulant and every food can be integrated into a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. A conventional chocolate bar contains about 200 calories, which alone is not enough to make you fat, as long as other foods with a high calorie content are reduced. Enjoying an occasional chocolate bar will in most cases reduce the sudden binge eating that many people experience when dieting if they don't give in to their sweet cravings from time to time.

The bad reputation of chocolate has started to improve since scientists have shown that it can be part of a healthy lifestyle. As long as chocolate is eaten in moderation, it can be enjoyed without a guilty conscience.