Chocolate gives you energy, and can even be beneficial to your health. However, do not overindulge; too much chocolate can make you feel sick and exhausted rather than energetic. Limit chocolate consumption to a occasional small portion as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. If you feel unusually low on energy, consult your doctor.
Energy in Chocolate
Chocolate contains calories and calories give your body energy. As chocolate is commonly combined with sugar and other ingredients, the amount of calories it contains depends on its quantity and form. One cup of milk chocolate chips contains approximately 899 calories, while 2 tbsp. of chocolate syrup contains approximately 133 calories. A 1/2 cup of chocolate ice cream contains approximately 143 calories. Chocolate also contains caffeine. Caffeine can temporarily elevate the mood and increase focus. Chocolate may also cause your body to produce endorphins, a chemical that signals to the brain that you are experiencing something pleasurable. This pleasurable sensation might also make you feel energetic.
Benefits of Chocolate
The AARP reports on a study of Swedish women that found that eating high-quality chocolate once or twice a week has heart benefits but eating more than that does not. The AARP also reports that dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, reduce diabetes risk, activate enzymes that battle carcinogens, inhibit blood platelet clumping, stabilize or improve cholesterol levels and increase blood flow to the brain. The American Chemical Society, ACS, reports that chocolate helps the body produce high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL, also known as "good" cholesterol. HDLs bolster your body against heart disease. The ACS also reports on a study that found that chocolate can help ease emotional stress.
Risks
Eating large portions of chocolate or eating chocolate instead of other elements of a healthy, well-balanced diet such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, can have a detrimental effect on your body, energy level and overall health. The high levels of saturated fat in many chocolate products, including milk chocolate candy bars and ice cream, can lead to obesity. Eating chocolate every time you need additional energy is less effective than alternating chocolate with other snacks, beverages and activities.
Recommendations
Eat a square of high-quality dark chocolate once or twice a week when you need a burst of energy to gain the health benefits of chocolate while minimizing the risks of overindulging. Mix dark chocolate chips with pistachios, dried fruit, peanuts and almonds for a high-energy snack that is nourishing and satisfying. Instead of a snack, go for a 10- to 20-minute walk to rev up your system. Pour a cup of black coffee for a quick energy burst in the afternoon. Make hot cocoa with low-fat or soy milk and honey instead of sugar to experience a sweet treat without refined sugar, which does not have health benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
References
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Nutrient Data Laboratory
- "Fitness" magazine; Got Milk? Try Chocolate After Your Workout; Kelly L. Phillips
- Scholastic: It's Brain Food!
- "Marie Claire"; Feeling Sluggish? 10 Ways to Get Your Energy Up in 5 Minutes or Less; Kate Schweitzer; December 2010
- American Chemical Society; New Explanation for Heart-Healthy Benefits of Chocolate; Midori Natsume, Ph.D.; February 2011
- AARP; Go Over to the Dark Side. Of Chocolate, That Is; Candy Sagon; August 2010
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