Chocolate is a favorite of many people, especially women. Indeed, besides its sweet taste, chocolate also has certain nutritional value, and eating it in moderation can be beneficial for the body. Some people say that chocolate also has the ability to prevent and treat colds. So, can you eat chocolate when you have a cold?
The Benefits of Eating Chocolate
Relieving Stress
Chocolate can increase the levels of a chemical substance called serotonin in the brain. It can bring a sense of tranquility and better eliminate feelings of tension, thus relieving stress.
Relieving Diarrhea
The cocoa content in dark chocolate ranges from 50% to 90%. Cocoa is rich in a type of polyphenol called flavonoids, which can inhibit the absorption of proteins, chloride ions, and water in the intestines. This helps reduce water loss and prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Benefitting the Heart
Dark chocolate contains a natural antioxidant called flavonol, which can prevent blood vessels from becoming hardened. It also increases myocardial activity, relaxes muscles, and prevents cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels, thus having a certain effect in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
Boosting Immunity
Chocolate contains abundant flavonoids, which have the effect of regulating the body's immune system. For people with weak constitution and frequent colds, it is helpful to selectively and moderately consume chocolate in daily life to improve their immune system.
Protecting Teeth
It is commonly believed that chocolate, being a sweet treat, can easily cause tooth decay if consumed excessively. However, chocolate contains a substance called tannin, which helps reduce dental plaque on teeth and has a protective effect. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the risk of tooth decay when eating chocolate.
Can You Eat Chocolate When You Have a Cold?
Chocolate is rich in polyphenols, which have anti-disease properties, and it also contains trace elements such as zinc that can boost immunity. Some people say that eating chocolate can help fight colds, while others say that you should not eat chocolate when you have a cold. Let's take a look at these two different perspectives.
You Can Eat Chocolate When You Have a Cold
Studies have shown that the sweet aroma of chocolate can reduce the risk of catching a cold. The theobromine in chocolate is beneficial for the nervous system and has better cough-suppressing effects than common cold medicine. It is worth mentioning that chocolate can stimulate the immune system of males to produce an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which helps fight against colds. Interestingly, the impact of chocolate on the human body is limited to males. It is also important to note that when eating chocolate to fight colds, it is best to choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of over 70% and to consume it in moderation.
Limit Sweet Treats When You Have a Cold
During a cold, the activity of digestive enzymes decreases, which can lead to digestive disorders and symptoms such as loss of appetite. Many people choose to eat sweet treats to adjust their taste when they cannot eat spicy food. However, this can lead to a large influx of sugar into the bloodstream, which requires the body to metabolize a large amount of vitamins, affecting the metabolic process of nutrients in the body. In addition, the intake of sugar from sweet treats can promote the secretion of cortisol, which inhibits the immune system. Furthermore, sugar metabolism produces a large amount of acidic substances such as acetoacetic acid and lactic acid, which significantly reduces the body's resistance and is not conducive to recovery from a cold.
Precautions When Eating Chocolate
1. Chocolate is rich in fat. If consumed excessively, it can lead to excessive fat intake and obesity, as well as an increased risk of other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
2. Chocolate contains active acids that can cause headaches. People who are frequently troubled by headaches should be cautious about consuming chocolate to avoid worsening their symptoms.
3. Some people have the habit of eating chocolate in the morning or before meals, which can make them feel full and difficult to absorb nutrients when eating a meal. In severe cases, it can lead to symptoms of diarrhea.
Who Should Not Eat Chocolate
1. Chocolate contains a high amount of sugar, so it is best for people with diabetes to avoid or limit their consumption of chocolate.
2. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid eating chocolate. The theobromine in chocolate can penetrate into breast milk and, after being absorbed by the baby, may cause damage to the nervous system and heart. It can also lead to indigestion, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
