All the studies on the health benefits of chocolate certainly sound like good news for those addicted to the once-sinful treat.From high blood pressure to low sex drive and dry skin -- not to mention fights with the boyfriend and bad days at work -- it seems there’s nothing chocolate can’t fix.
I’m talking about chocolate in its purest form – as close to the bean as you can get. If you want me to tell you a Milky Way bar is good for you, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed.The more the chocolate is processed, the fewer health benefits remain in the finished product. This is why raw cacao products have become so popular. However, many health benefits remain in non-raw dark chocolate, provided there aren't too many added unhealthful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup.Following are 10 health benefits of chocolate :
1-High in Antioxidants
Cocoa contains flavanols, a type of flavanoid that is only found in cocoa and chocolate. Flavanoids are naturally-occurring compounds that occur in plant foods that act as antioxidants and help counteract free radicals in the body.
2-Blood Pressure Benefits
Dark chocolate has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure.
3-Lower LDL Cholesterol
Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent.
4-Natural Anti-Depressant
Chocolate contains serotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Chocolate also stimulates endorphin production, which creates feelings of happiness and pleasure. In fact, one study found that melting chocolate in the mouth produced feelings of pleasure longer than passionate kissing. This may explain why many people naturally reach for chocolate when they're depressed.
5-Cancer Fighter
Several studies have found chocolate to be one of the best cancer-fighting foods along with foods like red wine, blueberries, garlic, and tea. Two ways that chocolate works as a cancer fighter is by inhibiting cell division and reducing inflammation, though research is ongoing and will probably find additional ways in which chocolate fights cancer.
6-Prevents Tooth Decay
Research has found that the theobromine in chocolate prevents tooth decay by eliminating streptococcus mutans, a bacteria found in the oral cavity that contributes to tooth decay.
7-Longer Life and Less Disease
One Dutch study followed 200 men over 20 years and found that those who consumed large amounts of chocolate, both milk chocolate and dark, lived longer and had lower overall disease rates than men who ate little or no chocolate.
8-High in MagnesiumCacao is higher in magnesium than any other plant. Magnesium is an important mineral that helps in the regulation of the digestive, neurological, and cardiovascular systems. Since many people are magnesium deficient, adding magnesium-rich dark chocolate to the diet can improve overall health.
9-Artery Cleanup
Studies have shown that the antioxidants in cacao work like brooms in sweeping plaque out of the arteries.
10-Brain Health
Many studies have shown that dark chocolate is good for the brain. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that it can protect the brain after a stroke by shielding the nerve cells from further damage. Dark chocolate has also been found to improve memory.
Chocolate is a complex gourmet medium that has several nuances, aromas and textures.Yes, chocolate has a dark side – and it probably doesn’t take a fancy degree or lots of studies to figure out what that is. “Chocolate is a confectionary that contains a lot of sugar and fat."
The bottom line is that indulging in a small amount of dark chocolate might be the perfect dessert – satisfying your sweet tooth while treating your body to the many health benefits of chocolate. So next time you’re craving dessert, reach for the dark chocolate, and hold the guilt.
