By Karen C Ashley
Chocolate is not like any other sweet treat. This savory delight is packed with phytonutrients that fights against some of the leading causes of disease today! Recommended by doctors and nutritionists, chocolate is an excellent alternative to sugary candies on the market.
Recent breaking news reported the health benefits of chocolate in preventing the incidence of stroke in women. This is exciting news for women to indulge modestly in dark chocolate! Women are more vulnerable to the effects of stroke than men, especially when a stroke (cerebrovascular accident-CVA) is linked to high blood.
The growing body of scientific evidence points to chocolate’s positive effects at the cellular level, particularly on vital organs such as blood vessels, brain, and heart. These are credible reasons why we should learn the facts about dark chocolate and get some today.
Reason #1: Potent Antioxidant—Protects against Stress/Pollution
Dark chocolate is a potent source of antioxidants. These are protective substances, such as polyphenols which occur naturally in plants. They protect the breakdown of cells caused by oxidative [introduction of oxygen] reaction known as free radicals. A typical example of how free radicals work can be seen with apples which will quickly turn brown after being cut and exposed to air.
Our bodies produce free radicals as a normal part of metabolism. To create internal balance, we produce enzymes to rid the body of excess free radicals. Unfortunately, due to aging, pollution, and stress our defense capabilities become impaired and less efficient.
Chocolate’s protective properties have been found to remove free radicals inside cells and protect the outer membrane, returning our bodies to its homeostatic environment. This is the marvel of chocolate!
Reason #2: Heart Healthy–Guards against Major Heart Diseases
The destructive nature of free radicals eventually predisposes a person to heart attacks. It does this through LDL [bad] cholesterol changing its structure to a sticky waxy substance after oxidation, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Chocolate is particularly rich in polyphenols. Similar to red wine, chocolate protects the blood vessels, and even thins the blood–just like aspirin to prevent atherosclerosis and high blood pressure–other contributing factors to heart disease
Reason #3: Boost Endorphins –“Feel- Good” Drug
Chocolate has a mix of chemicals known for its remarkable effects to elevate the mood. Some of chocolates overall effects on the brain, include:
- Release of pleasurable endorphins
- Psychoactive stimulation, such as feelings of elation and exhilaration
- Boost of serotonin levels to fight against depression
Reason #4: Prevents Stroke In Women
Scientists have found that eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of strokes in women. Flavonoids found in dark chocolate are linked to providing heart healthy benefits by lowering high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.
Recently Dr. Oz [Dr. Oz Show] endorsed the wonderful role of dark chocolate in promoting women’s health, particularly as it pertained to the incidence of stroke. He encouraged every woman to go out and buy dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa.
Reason #5: Guilt-Less Pleasure
Dark chocolate eaten in bite size amounts daily is actually good for you. This is one of the guilt-less ways to reward yourself after a hectic, problematic, or even depressing day.
Dark chocolate is also lower in calories than regular milk chocolate because it is made with less sugary additives.
A glass of red wine with dark chocolate is the ultimate treat and a win-win combination; both contain high amounts of anti-oxidants.
Dark chocolate and not milk chocolate is associated with heart healthy goodness. In fact milk in chocolate work against the positive effects of cocoa solids. Milk interferes with the absorption of antioxidants.
Now you have 5 great reasons to go shopping for your supply of the sweet dark goodness! Just remember, it has to be at least 70% cocoa solids to be of benefit. An important note to consider is that dark chocolate is not magical and will not reduce risk factors in isolation of an overall healthy diet. Enjoy a wholesome diet rich in fruits, veggies, fish, and nibbles of dark chocolate and you are on the way to preventing heart disease and promoting good health.
Karen is a freelance health and wellness writer http://wellnesssultana.blogspot.com dedicated to
educating her readers on interesting facts regarding healthy living.
