Can I have a bar of chocolate everyday?

The health effects of chocolate refers to the possible beneficial or detrimental physiological effects of eating chocolate mainly for pleasure. For example, cocoa and dark chocolate may support cardiovascular health. Other effects under preliminary research include reduced risks of cancer, coughing and heart disease. One interpretation on the potential health effects of dietary chocolate are it may lower blood pressure, improve vascular function and energy metabolism, and reduce platelet aggregation and adhesion.

Unconstrained consumption of large quantities of any energy-rich food, such as chocolate, without a corresponding increase in activity, increases the risk of obesity. Raw chocolate is high in cocoa butter, a fat removed during chocolate refining, then added back in varying proportions during manufacturing. Manufacturers may add other fats, sugars, and milk as well, all of which increase the caloric content of chocolate.

Headache:

Research on rats has determined that increased chocolate intake enhances the expression of MKP in the trigeminal ganglion, lowering the level of CGRP and other inflammatory chemicals, suppressing the symptoms of migraines.

Weight gain:

A concern that nutritionists have is that excessive consumption of dark chocolate may promote weight gain and obesity which are risk factors for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease. As a consequence, consuming large quantities of dark chocolate in an attempt to protect against cardiovascular disease has been described as 'cutting off one's nose to spite one's face'.

Type of chocolate Total phenolics (mg/100g) Flavonoids (mg/100g)

Dark chocolate 579 28

Milk chocolate 160 13

White chocolate 126 8

Yes, you can have a bar of chocolate everyday if you are being active and eating an otherwise healthy diet.