Valentine’s Day is the time when almost everyone consumes chocolate in some form. If you are going to partake of this wonderful confection, choose dark chocolate over milk or white chocolates for a healthier option.
Two recent scientific studies have indicated that dark chocolate, in small amounts, is actually good for you. Great news for chocolate lovers everywhere!
The sweet treat actually lowers high blood pressure in people with mild hypertension by releasing nitric acid which causes blood vessels to expand. It has been found to reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol, up to 10%.
Dark Chocolate is a potent antioxidant because it eliminates some of the destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease. Beware, however, of drinking milk with dark chocolate as scientists have discovered that milk interferes with the body’s absorption of the antioxidants in the dessert.
Dark Chocolate is made from cacao beans which grow on the cacao tree meaning it contains some of the health benefits of dark vegetables. It actually boosts brain activity in positive ways. It stimulates endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure. It also contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant. And it contains theobromine which is a mild stimulant.
Despite its sweet reputation, dark chocolate has a low glycemic index similar to that of oatmeal — meaning it does not send your blood sugar spiking. It also contains an assortment of minerals including copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.
Current studies into the health benefits of dark chocolate are producing some encouraging, although not yet conclusive results. One lab study showed that dark chocolate reduced the growth rate of colon cancer cells, while another study showed that breast cancer cells stopped growing when combined with phytochemicals found in dark chocolate.
It is currently being tested on arthritis sufferers and early findings indicate that the chemicals in dark chocolate suppress the overactive immune system responses that lead to arthritis. Recent studies using dark chocolate on mice indicate that the chemicals in the candy tend to improve memory and cognitive thinking in the little rodents; however no such studies have been conducted on humans yet.
So if you crave something sweet after a healthy meal, or just want a snack -- keep small bars of dark chocolate on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your body’s health at the same time.
Two recent scientific studies have indicated that dark chocolate, in small amounts, is actually good for you. Great news for chocolate lovers everywhere!
The sweet treat actually lowers high blood pressure in people with mild hypertension by releasing nitric acid which causes blood vessels to expand. It has been found to reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol, up to 10%.
Dark Chocolate is a potent antioxidant because it eliminates some of the destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease. Beware, however, of drinking milk with dark chocolate as scientists have discovered that milk interferes with the body’s absorption of the antioxidants in the dessert.
Dark Chocolate is made from cacao beans which grow on the cacao tree meaning it contains some of the health benefits of dark vegetables. It actually boosts brain activity in positive ways. It stimulates endorphin production which gives a feeling of pleasure. It also contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant. And it contains theobromine which is a mild stimulant.
Despite its sweet reputation, dark chocolate has a low glycemic index similar to that of oatmeal — meaning it does not send your blood sugar spiking. It also contains an assortment of minerals including copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.
Current studies into the health benefits of dark chocolate are producing some encouraging, although not yet conclusive results. One lab study showed that dark chocolate reduced the growth rate of colon cancer cells, while another study showed that breast cancer cells stopped growing when combined with phytochemicals found in dark chocolate.
It is currently being tested on arthritis sufferers and early findings indicate that the chemicals in dark chocolate suppress the overactive immune system responses that lead to arthritis. Recent studies using dark chocolate on mice indicate that the chemicals in the candy tend to improve memory and cognitive thinking in the little rodents; however no such studies have been conducted on humans yet.
So if you crave something sweet after a healthy meal, or just want a snack -- keep small bars of dark chocolate on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your body’s health at the same time.
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