Myth or Fact: 5 Truths About Chocolate

The perfect remedy for the afternoon slump, a broken heart, or just as a snack – there is hardly anyone who doesn’t like the taste of this sweet temptation. But somehow chocolate has a bad reputation. Supposedly it causes acne and headaches. On the other hand, chocolate is also said to be an aphrodisiac…so, is there any truth to these myths?

Myth #1: Chocolate causes acne

If you eat too much fat or sugar, your skin produces more oil, which leads to the formation of pimples. Since chocolate is so high in fat, it can lead to skin impurities.^{(1, 2)} However, this depends on what type of skin you have. If you tend to have oily skin, you should take a close look at your diet.

Myth #2: Chocolate increases your libido

Chocolate is said to be an aphrodisiac. Even though this belief is very persistent, it’s actually false. Numerous studies show that sexual desire does not increase with chocolate consumption.^{(3, 4)} The misconception that chocolate stimulates the release of serotonin is also disputed – the amount that can be produced in the body through eating chocolate is too small to achieve an effect.

Myth #3: Dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate

Dark chocolate is said to be healthier than milk chocolate: The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants it has, which can have a positive on the body.⁽⁵⁾ Important: the positive effect of dark chocolate is neutralized when eaten with milk.

Myth #4: Chocolate is good for your heart

In an effort to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (especially a stroke), it is recommended that we eat a small piece of dark chocolate every day. The popular treat can lower the blood pressure, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Heart. Flavonoids contained in the cocoa plant have a positive effect on blood vessel elasticity and blood pressure.^{(6, 7)}

Myth #5: Chocolate triggers headaches

Many people believe that eating chocolate can cause headaches. A study of 63 women was conducted to investigate this claim and arrived at a surprising result: contrary to general opinion, chocolate does not appear to trigger headaches.⁽⁸⁾ However, this myth does not seem to be completely debunked. If you tend to have migraines, certain foods like chocolate or cheese can, in fact, cause headaches.⁽¹⁰⁾

Conclusion

If you really enjoy dark chocolate, it can have health benefits. But consume it in moderation – like all other foods containing sugar and fat.

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