Dark chocolate's primary benefit comes from flavonoids, a type of substance that falls under the umbrella of antioxidants. Many of the diseases we suffer from can be caused or aggravated by oxidant damage to our cells. Antioxidants can help reduce these problems, including some of the effects of aging, by preventing the completion of the oxidant reaction.
They capture damaging free radicals, and can be very beneficial to us. Some foods have more antioxidants than others. For instance, while they're present in strawberries, you'll find almost eight times as much of these chemicals in dark chocolate. Chocolate also has the ability to reduce blood pressure, since it contains nitric oxide, and may help with internal hormonal balances.
It's also been said that a small bar of chocolate daily can be good for your heart. That's because of the aforementioned blood pressure benefits, and also the fact that it can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol as much as ten percent. Chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin, contains caffeine, theobromine and other stimulants, and tastes good. That means it has a lot of appeal.
The downsides are that it takes a lot of chocolate to have a big effect, and chocolate is a fairly fatty food. A third of the fats in chocolate are monounsaturated, and two thirds are saturated and able to affect your cholesterol. Another problem is that this high fat content, combined with the sugar in chocolate, means weight gain is a possibility if you eat too much.
Studies have used about three and a half ounces of dark chocolate each day to determine its benefits. That translates into about four hundred calories. While that might not sound like much, consider that it's the same as eating two small doughnuts, and that an extra four hundred calories per day could result in a gain of almost a pound a week.
That means that if you're eating a lot of chocolate to get its benefits, you'll need to increase your activity level and adjust your diet accordingly to avoid weight gain. To keep from eating too much, take the time to taste and appreciate chocolate every time your consume it. These health benefits are also available only from dark chocolate with sixty-five percent or higher levels of cocoa.
Milk chocolate has much lower cocoa content and can't offer those health benefits, and white chocolate contains no cocoa at all. Chocolate bars made of pure chocolate or chocolate with minimal flavorings are the best choice. Avoid nougat, caramel, and similar fillings, which can reduce the benefits chocolate is offering. So enjoy your dark chocolate and feel good that you might being doing your health a small service.
Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate
Can dark chocolates lower blood pressure and provide certain health benefits? There are various studies that have been completed to prove that this is the case. However, before an individual goes out and begins binge eating chocolate there is certain information a person needs to know. The only type of chocolate that has been proven to assist a person in improved health is dark chocolate.
Other forms of this candy have been tested, like milk chocolate and white chocolate. These do not show any signs of improvement for the well-being of an individual. Also, it is unhealthy to consume anything in large amounts. Other types of ailments may not be suitable to eat or drink dark chocolate. Diabetics may not want to risk the effects with their illness to the health benefits of this type of candy. Nevertheless, if an individual can eat sugar in moderation, this is an excellent tool for particular health matters.
Expert studies have done extensive research on dark chocolate and the effects it has on an individual's body. In recent years, many doctors and scientists have calculated the consequences of eating more dark chocolate. They have found amazing results concerning this type of candy. These professionals used individuals for their findings with dark chocolate against the milk and white chocolates. They asked people in the test groups to do various things. One of the studies placed individuals on a strict diet of dark chocolate and foods that do not have the same elements for one week. Another test was preformed on certain individuals eating dark chocolate against white and milk chocolates. The people were not allowed to consume the dark with milk of any form. The results were outstanding.
The health benefits that the experts found were amazing. The individuals that ate the dark chocolates lowered their blood pressure by 5 to 10 points. Antioxidants are another advantage of consuming darker chocolates. This is what controls and prevents heart disease and assists in the blood flow. With the extra blood flow, this will assist a person towards better circulation in their legs and other arteries. This will keep the blood moving freely and less likely to clog.
Dark chocolates may also prevent cancers and strokes as well. The experts agree that other minor ailments may be treated with this substance too. A small amount of this candy a day may in fact keep the doctor away.
As with anything a person consumes, moderation is the key. Even when products are healthy for an individual, overdoing it will be harmful in the end. If an individual eats a small amount of dark chocolate a day, chances are they will see a slight improvement in their health. They will also have a less of a risk for any type of heart disease. There are various proven facts that only dark chocolate can cure certain styles of illnesses a person may face. It is vital to understand, the darker the chocolate the better. Milk and white chocolate are confirmed ineffective in better health and well-being.
Both Chris Alleny & Jane Saeman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Chris Alleny has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Food and Drink and Food and Drink. Chris loves to write about all kinds of food particularly chocolates. Find out more about by visiting www.ultimatecho. Chris Alleny's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Jane Saeman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Movie Reviews, Music and Cooking Tips. Jane Saeman runs a chocolate fountain catering business. Find tips for at my website which is at. Jane Saeman's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
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