Can dark chocolate increase good cholesterol: HDL?
Diabetic Medicine recently published a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study that evaluated the effects of dark chocolate on the levels of weight and blood sugar control and cholesterol in 12 patients with type 2 diabetes. Two groups were randomly selected.
The first group received 45 grams of 85 percent dark chocolate to eat every day for 8 weeks and the second group received a placebo containing no cocoa solids, but stained the same color as the dark chocolate.
Eight weeks after the trial concluded, the results showed that none of the participants gained weight despite eating 45 grams of chocolate per day and HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) increased significantly when the subjects ate dark chocolate daily.
Researchers suspect that the high content of polyphenols in black chocolate is responsible for the positive results observed in this study. Although this was a relatively small, it seems that dark chocolate in moderation is not harmful and may actually provide significant benefits.
and it may seem impossible that life can change and Health restored, or greatly improved, by the consumption of dark chocolate, but it's true! And that is good news to the 50% of the world's population say they could not live without chocolate.
1200 studies have verified a long list of health benefits that are associated with the consumption of dark chocolate. For example, research suggests it may reduce blood pressure, improve cognitive function and act as mood enhancer, reduce stress and nervousness.
It can also suppress appetite and promote better sleep cycles.
Cocoa powder contains sulfur, which helps promote healthy skin and builds strong hair and nails. It also helps detoxify the liver, and supports the healthy functioning of the pancreas. fresh cocoa beans are also extremely rich in flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants that help to maintain healthy blood flow.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity (ORAC) index is a method of measuring antioxidants in a wide variety of foods. Research has found that 100 grams of raw cocoa powder has an ORAC value of 26,000 making it the highest level of any normal food.
Dark chocolate, organic laboratory tests have confirmed, has a degree of ORAC 33,928 per unit compared to 18,500 for Acai berries, strawberries for 1540 and 1260 only to raw spinach.
Enjoy the taste of chocolate but eat more dark chocolate and and get some essential health benefits. Your body will love it!
About the Author: Jannette has researched health and well being issues for the past 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Promotion. Choose Chava Vital Chocolate which ticks all the boxes for health, well being and happiness. Claim your free Aussie eBook "The Truth Revealed - Activated Liquid Zeolite" at http://CleansingZeolite.com
Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate
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Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Studies
From Yale to Texas A&M, Brazil to Italy & Germany... Dark Chocolate is being rediscovered in clinical studies, thousands of years after the Mayans, as a vital component to optimal health.
I had no idea what to get so I got chocolates
Sometimes finding the perfect gift someone can feel impossible. For the person that has everything, something edible can be just the present you are looking for. Candy can be a special, and thoughtful present for almost anyone. New research shows that small amounts of chocolate , especially the dark kind, can be good for a person. When you give someone something edible, you know that it will a present that they actually want, and not some knick knack that sits on a shelf collecting dust.
There is nothing quite like the rich brown color and silky, velvety taste of chocolates to make for a perfect gift. It also comes in a variety of flavors and assortments so you have the option of specializing a box for that special someone. You do not have to give a plain box of boring chocolates . You can do a handcrafted basket of an assortment to ensure that there is something the recipient is bound to love. This is a great gift idea that is sure to leave a lasting memory in someone's mind, especially when you take the time to customize your box. Chocolate gifts are as thoughtful as they are practical. They do not just come in candy form either. You can gift brownies, cakes and even cupcakes made from scratch. Putting though and work into a gift can count for far more than how much you spend. Giving a practical gift that you know will be appreciated and used not only shows that you really thought about it, but also that you want the recipient to use it.
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Dark chocolate, is it healthy?
I get that question asked all the time. The media get its right usually, be there are often conflicting reports because research results are often taken taken out of context.
Here again is a quick review of the health value of dark chocolate Facts. Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants. And antioxidants help you keep your cells from growing old.
Other bio-chemicals in dark chocolate help lower the blood pressure and enhance your mood. That is one reason why you feel "happier" after eating dark chocolate. And more health benefits will be discovered in my opinion...
You can eat dark chocolate everyday - but in moderation. 1/3 to 1/2 of an organic dark chocolate bar gives you the health benefits without pushing you of of any diet you might be on.
Where do I buy my dark chocolate? I often shop online and get dark chocolate bars from Organic Dark Chocolate For Sale
For a quick chocolate fix with few calories and all the health benefits, I also use CocoPure - The Chocolate Super Food
Better Than Chocolate, the best dark chocolate, Facts about Chocolate
Eating Dark Chocolate Keeps the Doctors Away!
Indeed, this is quite true, as based on scientific research findings that may very well alter the image of chocolate forever -- from junk food to health food! Isn't it quite refreshing?
Millions all over the world should be thrilled to learn that the treat they all love is also very beneficial to their health. That is, if you eat dark chocolate.
So start chanting now, eat dark chocolate for a healthier you!
Well, before, we start getting excited over this, let us discover what the scientific studies have found out about chocolate and dark chocolate in particular.
Findings have sufficient proof to declare that dark chocolate contains much more health benefits compared to white chocolate and milk chocolate. These two latter types actually have higher contents of fat and lesser health benefits to consumers.
Dark chocolate, also considered as bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, has been found to be very beneficial for people. One of its foremost benefits is that it enhances your mood and keeps you on a lighter, happier state of emotion. It stimulates the release of serotonin that affects a person much like an anti-depressant would.
And that is why your mood becomes visibly improved after a bar of chocolate on a bad day.
Aside from soothing us and lightening up our mood, it also improves the flexibility of our blood vessels and thus, eases the circulation of blood through our system. The result is lower blood pressure.
Another outstanding aspect of chocolate that is very beneficial for people are nutrients that can be found in it that are now known to prevent cancer. Cacao, an ingredient which dark chocolate has in abundance, contains antioxidants that are essential for the body to have in order to fight free radicals that cause heart ailments and other types of diseases.
Flavonoids can be found in chocolate and is a major enemy of free radicals that may come from other foodstuffs ingested by the body or absorbed from the environment. Flavonoids, called Epicatechins and Catechins, help a lot in protecting the body's immune system. This is why, consuming chocolate with a higher cacao content - dark chocolate is healthier.
Who would think that even with the delightfully thick and velvety texture of chocolate, minerals are present in it, minerals such as iron and magnesium? As long as you keep it moderate, Eating chocolate is perfectly Healthy!
The antioxidants in chocolate have been found beneficial for joints and help in reducing pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Getting better sleep for a well rested you on the following day is another benefits offered by chocolate's antioxidants. Vitamin B is also present which significantly increase the energy level of the brain and body.
In the past, we thought eating chocolate would increase your calorie consumption leading to higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels? Well, that was misinformation and what's best, the studies to prove it! Eating dark chocolate actually even helps lower the cholesterol and blood pressure levels of the body. That's definitely a resounding "Yay!" for all chocolate lovers. Even if dark chocolate has fats and cholesterol, they are the good kind that does not interfere with production of insulin in the body.
However, citing the health benefits of chocolate does not mean that you should start eating loads of chocolate now. As in all things, excessiveness is not healthy. An bite or two of a dark chocolate bar is all you need to get those health benefits. Remember to keep things in moderation - especially in consuming your favorite chocolate.
