Dark chocolate has numerous hidden health benefits. Dark chocolates have a high concentration of antioxidants called flavonoids. These compounds have been found to bolster blood vessel function, probably by causing a spike in uric acid levels when they're broken down by the body. That, in turn, seems to help cut the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Although it seems too good to be true, dark chocolate can actually be good for you! When consumed in moderation, this delicious treat has really some powerful health benefits.
Some people are surprised to hear that there are indeed a lot of health benefits you can get out of chocolate. Dietitians, nutritionists, and researchers around the world might even say that chocolate is one of the "super foods" for its heart healthy chemical compounds and rich antioxidants.
Chocolate is not only a tasteful cure for depression but a great remedy to prevent heart diseases and cancer. Moreover chocolate improves mood and boosts energy level. Other health benefits of chocolate include lowering cholesterol and improving libido. Of course it does; yummy melt-in-the-mouth chocolate.
Chocolate relieves PMS symptoms, due to the magnesium it is rich in. Magnesium is very helpful in relieving menstrual spasms.
Chocolate increases libido. The recent scientific research has shown that female chocoholics get more feelings of sexual desire. According to the scientists a bar of chocolate just before sex can provide you with stronger feelings of satisfaction and relaxation. Isn't that nice to know!
Chocolate is wholesome for teeth. Ha, Ha - is this some kind of mistake? Actually cocoa is rich in substances that kill the bacteria causing caries. And it is sugar that is responsible for causing your tooth problems. Thus opt for dark chocolate to benefit your pearly-whites.
Chocolate slows down the aging process. Due to the flavonoids in chocolate it is reported to reduce wrinkles and improve complexion. Chocolate can protect skin from burning, they say.
Chocolate prevents cancer. In fact, it is free radicals in our body that are among the main causes of cancer. Chocolate contains a great amount of antioxidants that are helpful in destroying those harmful free radicals.
Good to Know:
Chocolate benefit nails, our overall health and it can help prevent heart disease.
The flavonoids are compounds that act as antioxidants. Flavonoids protect cells from harmful molecules - called free radicals. These are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to sunlight or smoke. Free radicals can cause cell damage that leads to heart disease. Flavonoids can also lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol – that is the bad cholesterol - by up to 10 percent.
Raw, unprocessed cocoa is actually the richest antioxidant food in the entire world? Antioxidants help protect our bodies from developing cancer, and it is recommended to get a minimum of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC in antioxidants per day.
The stuff that makes up cocoa helps to reduce cardiovascular damage by increasing the production of good (HDL) cholesterol. This essentially clears up the blood vessels from harmful fats. The flavonoids found in cocoa help to decrease clots from forming that can cause damage to the heart muscle blood vessels. These flavonoids allow stronger blood flow to the heart and allows for the blood vessels to dilate more easily. Additionally, cocoa has anti-inflammatory properties, which help stop inflammation from damaging our bodies.
Moderating our intake of dark chocolate on a regular basis helps decrease blood pressure in several situations, which essentially helps to decrease the damage to our heart vessels.
Other research has found that chocolate contains theobromine, a small amount of caffeine, and anandamide. These all act as mental alertness chemicals and help elevate our moods for a short period of time. Antidepressant properties were proven by researchers when they discovered that both serotonin and dopamine levels increased after chocolate consumption. The carbohydrates and theobromine help stimulate the nervous system, which results in extra energy. Some research has also proven that chocolate can even be used to help stimulate women with low libidos.
For all of its health benefits, though, dark chocolate does contain a lot of calories. It is therefore recommend having no more than three ounces of this melting and delicious sweet stuff each day – BUT – you can certainly have it at Christmas time.
