When we were young, our parents told us that chocolate is very bad for our health. We grew up blaming chocolate for weight gain, tooth decay, and headaches with no proof that it’s actually the direct reason. Here, we will share with you some scientifically proven myths and facts about chocolate.

1 – Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine and is bad for the heart.

Fact: Chocolate contains caffeine, but in very small amounts. Tea and coffee are higher in caffeine than chocolate. The manufacturing process reduces the effect of caffeine due to the mixture of cocoa with other ingredients. The European Society of Cardiology conducted research and found that cocoa beans contain polyphenols, which are organic chemicals and are actually beneficial for the heart and prevent heart attacks by simplifying blood circulation. Dark chocolate has the highest amount of cocoa beans, making it the best type of chocolate for your heart.

2 – Myth: People with diabetes have to give up chocolate

Fact: Studies have shown that chocolate has a low glycemic index and that dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity in people with normal and high blood pressure and increase endothelial dysfunction in people with diabetes. In fact, people with diabetes should not avoid chocolate, but the consumption of dark chocolate is preferred over white and milk chocolate because it contains a high percentage of cocoa beans.

3 – Myth: Chocolate causes weight gain.

Fact: Chocolate itself is not fattening. A non-moderation of your nutritional system can cause weight gain. An average chocolate bar contains 220 calories, so it can be added to a healthy diet system.

4 – Myth: Chocolate has no health benefits.

Fact: Chocolate has been proven to be rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, in addition to the polyphenols mentioned above. Dark chocolate is considered a heart attack preventative, relieves stress, stimulates the brain, and acts as an anti-carcinogen. A Harvard study showed that people who eat chocolate live longer than those who don’t.

5 – Myth: Chocolate causes headaches.

Fact: Many people consider chocolate to be a direct cause of migraines. All the studies done on migraines found no connection between food and migraines. Headaches are related to hormones and not to food.

6 – Myth: Chocolate causes cavities and cavities

Fact: As mentioned above, cocoa has many benefits and we will add to the list that it contains antibacterial components that fight cavities and stop the spread of bacteria in the mouth.

Now that we have seen with you 6 of the many myths about chocolate that have been disproved, we want to remind you that excessive consumption of any type of food, even chocolate with all its health benefits, will become an enemy of your health. For people with diabetes, we still recommend that you consult your doctor before eating chocolate.