Chocolate Benefit

Chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world, and a vast number of foodstuffs involving chocolate have been created. Chocolate chip cookies have become very common, and very popular, in most parts of Europe and North America. Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes have become traditional on certain holidays. Chocolate is also used in cold and hot beverages, to produce chocolate milk and hot chocolate.

* Cocoa or dark chocolate may positively affect the circulatory system.[70]

* Several studies have suggested that eating chocolate can help reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems[71][72][73] and also reduce blood pressure in both overweight and normal adults.[71]

* Chocolate may boost cognitive abilities.[74]

* Dark chocolate may lower cholesterol levels in adults.[75] Although basic research has provided preliminary evidence that polyphenols in chocolate might inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol,[76] few results from clinical trials are conclusive about such an effect in humans.[77][78]

* According to one study, chocolate consumption correlates with lower Body Mass Index.[79]

* Other possible effects under basic research include anticancer, brain stimulator, cough preventor and antidiarrhoeal activities.[80]

Chocolate is one of the most popular holiday gifts. Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes have become traditional on certain holidays: chocolate bunnies and eggs are popular on Easter, chocolate coins on Hanukkah, snowmen and other holiday symbols on Christmas, and chocolate hearts or chocolate in heart-shaped boxes on Valentine's Day.

The International Chocolate Day is observed on 13 September.[103] On Valentine's Day, a box of chocolates is traditional, usually presented with flowers and a greeting card. It may be given on other holidays, and birthdays. At Easter, chocolate eggs are traditional. This is a confection made primarily of chocolate, and can either be...