The benefits of black Chocolate have been reported in many scientific journals in recent years. One was the study of Grassi, Lippi Necozione, and Desideri in the region of America Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005. These researchers found that dark chocolate reduced blood pressure and had a positive impact on the sensitivity to insulin in healthy people.
Dark chocolate provides Health benefits because of the flavonoids found in cocoa. These benefits were first noticed in the Kuna Indian population living in the San Blas Islands off the coast of Panama. This town has a very low incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They also consume large amounts of cocoa-rich beverages. This led researchers to study the link between cocoa and health. They found clear links between the cocoa and low incidence of certain diseases.
The flavonoids in cocoa act as antioxidants when eaten. These flavonoids protect blood vessels undergoing oxidation changes that lead to certain diseases. The result is stronger capillaries and other connective tissues that leads to improved health and wellness.
While medical science did not know about the flavonoids for centuries, that there were health benefits of black chocolate was evident. Historical documents have been uncovered that relate to medicinal use of chocolate in the treatment of diseases such as angina and heart pain.
Evolutionary-wise many plants are protected from microbes and insects by their flavonoids. For humans, these antioxidants, when ingested, trigger the production of natural surges of enzymes that protect us from disease in a similar ways as plants do that contain them.
What are some foods rich in flavonoids?
- cocoa
- blueberries
- blueberries
- red beans
- red fruit
- yellow fruits
- red vegetables
- vegetables yellow
- certain nuts
- green tea
- Grape Seed Extract
There are many health benefits from eating even small amounts of these nutrient. A well balanced diet that is adequate in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and even some dark chocolate provide sufficient levels of these anti-aging and disease preventing antioxidants.
What are some health benefits?
- reduces the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer
- lowers blood pressure
- improves insulin resistance
- reduces risk of stroke and heart attack
- fights atherosclerosis
- reduces the risk of chronic respiratory problems
- protects against ultraviolet light that can reduce the risk of skin cancer
- decreases inflammation and pain associated with arthritis
- the smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves which produces relaxation of the body
Before you stock up on chocolate bars there are some important facts to consider:
- dark chocolate has beneficial flavonoids; stay away from white and milk chocolate
- European chocolate is high in flavonoids
- controlling fat and calories consumed with chocolate, you need only a very small amount for the dark chocolate benefit of
- Keep eating nutritious foods, let desserts based on dark chocolate for its antioxidants, replace your unhealthy sweets
The role of flavonoid-rich foods in preventing disease and maintaining health and well-being is being heavily researched by scientists. Try to keep informed of these and other advances in health and welfare today.
Dr. Steve Tuggle is a practicing dentist, certified personal trainer (ACE, ACSM), certified wellness coach, and life coach. You can learn more about belly fat and how it affects your health and wellness at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com
Healthy Chocolate, Benefits of Chocolate, Chocolate health
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