Saed News: Chocolate is not always the number one unhealthy snack. Specialists say that moderate consumption of certain types of dark chocolate can be beneficial for health, but excessive consumption of other types may carry risks.
According to SAEDNEWS, Dr. Masoumeh Modarresi, a specialist in preventive and social medicine and a faculty member at the Saveh University of Medical Sciences, responded to the question “Chocolate: friend or foe of health?” by stating: “Based on existing evidence, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can be part of a healthy dietary pattern. Daily consumption of about 15 to 30 grams of dark chocolate is acceptable for many healthy individuals, provided that it is considered within total daily calorie intake and the overall balance of the diet.”
Referring to differing opinions regarding chocolate consumption, Modarresi said: “Not all types of chocolate have the same nutritional value, and they cannot be considered entirely beneficial or harmful.”
She explained that milk chocolates and industrially produced varieties usually contain high amounts of added sugar and saturated fats, emphasizing that excessive consumption of these products may increase the risk of weight gain, elevated blood sugar, and metabolic disorders. Therefore, continuous and excessive consumption of such products is not recommended.
This faculty member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences pointed to the benefits of dark chocolate, saying: “Dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage, usually 70 percent or more, is a rich source of antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which in some scientific studies have been associated with improved endothelial function of blood vessels, reduced inflammation, and slight reductions in blood pressure. Based on existing evidence, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can be part of a healthy eating pattern.”
Modarresi emphasized that daily consumption of around 15 to 30 grams of dark chocolate is acceptable for many healthy individuals, as long as it is included in the calculation of daily energy intake and the overall dietary balance.
According to Webda, she stressed that people with diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular diseases should consult a doctor or nutrition specialist before regularly consuming chocolate, even dark chocolate.
