July 7, 2021 is the 12th year of the world or international Chocolate Day festival. Although the appearance of chocolate dates back almost to the 16th century, the decision to designate a day came in 2009. Introduced in Europe in 1550, this popular dessert stunned the world with its delectable taste in no time.
People of almost all age groups enjoy different types of chocolates. They are known as a great means for uplifting the mood. Recently, there have been reports of dark chocolate being touted as a way to curb concerns related to COVID-19.
Let us know about it in detail on the occasion of World Chocolate Day:
Chocolate is delectable, and it’s a fact. Not only for its great taste, but also for its wonderful health benefits and amazing ability to sweeten relationships and any occasion in our lives. It would not go far to say that they act as emotional sweeteners.
Keeping the above aspect in mind, at a time where COVID-19 is taking a toll all over the world, the use of chocolates to combat stress is being promoted.
In a tweet, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has suggested people to consume a regulated portion of chocolate, ensuring that the piece contains 70 percent cocoa; So that the stress due to the pandemic can be removed.
The thing is, several studies had previously shown that chocolate has many health benefits. It was postulated by researchers that having 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks would reduce levels of the hormone cortisol as well as fight-or-flight hormones called catecholamines.
It will inadvertently elevate mood, lower blood pressure, increase metabolism, and increase microbial activity in the gut. The specific properties of dark chocolate are antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial aids in lowering high blood pressure, thereby relieving stress.
These delicious chocolates contain antioxidants (theobromine), and are rich in phytonutrients, which work as immune boosters that protect cells from free radicals.
Phytonutrients (chemical compounds) have the ability to tamper with specific enzymes or proteases in the virus. Flavanols and proanthocyanidins found in dark chocolate were seen to have the ability to block the activity of key protease (MPRO) in the COVID-19 virus.
As a result it can slow or restrict the growth or spread of the virus and prevent the novel coronavirus from being transmitted.
The most important thing that should be kept in mind is that dark chocolate can serve as one of the immunity boosting foods, but it should not be considered as ‘the only’ item to control stress . People need to follow a balanced diet, have proper intake of healthy food; and medicines prescribed by doctors during Covid-19 treatment.
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