7 Healthy Reasons to Eat Chocolate
If you’re wondering whether or not chocolate is a good choice for your health, there are many good reasons to eat it. The antioxidants, prebiotics, and flavanols found in chocolate are just a few benefits that chocolate can provide your body. You can even improve your heart health by eating more chocolate! Quality Logo Products is not a medical team, but we are happy to present the scientific evidence behind the benefits of chocolate.
Flavanols
Cocoa, which contains flavanols, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may also promote heart health and improve blood flow. While no clear evidence supports either of these claims, researchers have found that chocolate can improve cardiovascular health. This is likely because flavanols are known to increase blood flow, which may help lower blood pressure. Flavanols are also responsible for increasing the production of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Chocolate has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and a range of flavonoid antioxidants. Studies have shown that flavanols may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, block cancer cell growth, improve blood flow to the heart, and lower blood pressure. They also inhibit blood clotting, reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, chocolate can be a good source of flavanols, which are found in dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is particularly good for the skin. It contains antioxidants that protect it from UV rays and can help you stay hydrated by increasing blood flow to the skin. Also, dark chocolate contains flavanols, which prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce the formation of calcified atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. In addition, chocolate’s magnesium content increases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. These effects can reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer.
Prebiotics
The benefits of prebiotics are plentiful in foods rich in fiber. These include inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides, and resistant starch. Eating foods rich in prebiotics will help your body grow good bacteria in your intestines. They are instrumental when you want to feel full faster. Chocolate, naturally high in sugar, is also a good source of prebiotic fiber.
Cocoa polyphenols feed beneficial gut bacteria. Recent research has shown that eating high-flavanol chocolate can boost the population of good bacteria. In one study, chocolate containing more than 70 percent cocoa powder increased bifidobacteria populations and decreased clostridia. This was correlated with a reduction in the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation. Dark chocolate is also a good source of polyphenols, and prebiotic antioxidants, which aid in the growth of two types of gut bacteria.
The same goes for sushi rice. Cold-cooked sushi rice contains fiber that feeds healthy bacteria in your intestines, boosting your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and regulate metabolism. However, you should monitor any changes in your digestion after eating chocolate and talk to your doctor if you suspect any stomach issues. If you notice any changes in your digestion after eating chocolate, it is best to consult a doctor before continuing with a prebiotic-rich diet.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants in chocolate are essentially resveratrol, which is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. This antioxidant is known to protect the nervous system and brain, lowering blood pressure and improving elasticity in blood vessels. Studies also suggest that resveratrol can slow the aging process and prevent Alzheimer’s. Other antioxidants in chocolate include polyphenols, flavonols, and catechins.
Flavonoids are natural health-promoting substances found in fruits and vegetables. These compounds, also known as flavonols, help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. Chocolate contains flavonoids, which include catechin, procyanidins, and epicatechin. Flavonoids in chocolate may protect against oxidative stress and protect against chronic diseases. Studies have shown that cocoa and cacao powder contain more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. Chocolate also contains theobromine, which is unique to chocolate. Dark chocolate has higher amounts of theobromine than lighter chocolate.
Although epidemiological studies haven’t proven a causal relationship, they suggest that drinking more green tea could help prevent cancer in populations. Consuming more chocolate may also help people with chronic fatigue syndrome return to work. However, despite the numerous health benefits of cocoa and chocolate, many people find giving up their sweet tooth challenging. They are not the only food sources of antioxidants. So, if you’re craving chocolate, consider the many healthy alternatives containing high cocoa levels and flavones.
Heart health
According to research, dark chocolate can potentially improve your heart’s health. Researchers at Harvard University found that eating two to six ounces of dark chocolate daily reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation. This heart disorder can lead to stroke and heart attacks. Eating two to six ounces of chocolate per week significantly reduced the risk of stroke and heart attacks by around 20 percent. Chocolate is not only a great source of pleasure, but it also contains beneficial antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure. It’s also cheaper than medical treatment, so if you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and tasty treat, consider chocolate.
While there’s still no conclusive link between eating chocolate and reducing the risk of stroke, studies have shown that chocolate consumption reduces the risk of heart attacks. However, more studies are needed to determine whether this association exists. A recent European Journal of Clinical Nutrition study found that chocolate consumption reduced the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to remember that the benefits of chocolate consumption depend on the kind of chocolate you eat. For the best results, consider eating dark chocolate regularly, preferably with low-fat content.
Weight loss
Eating chocolate regularly can help you lose weight by curbing your appetite. The cocoa in chocolate has suppressed your appetite, preventing you from reaching for those high-calorie foods. Chocolate can also increase serotonin levels in the body, which may help you combat stress and maintain a stable weight. Listed below are some healthy reasons to eat chocolate every day. They may surprise you!
Dark chocolate contains more healthful compounds than milk chocolate. Also, dark chocolate is higher in calories than milk chocolate. According to Ludy, the higher the cacao content, the better. However, remember that you should still eat moderate dark chocolate to reap these benefits. It’s still a food with high caloric content, so don’t overindulge! In moderation, dark chocolate can be a satisfying treat.
According to the American Cancer Society, eating a diet rich in chocolate can help prevent certain types of cancer. Chocolate is high in flavonoids, which can help reduce blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower inflammation. It contains theobromine, which increases the production of good cholesterol in the body and enhances alertness. Eating a small amount of chocolate daily can help you lose weight, but it will take some conscious effort to ensure you aren’t overdoing it.
Skin health
Chocolate isn’t just delicious; it’s also good for your skin. Its fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties can help resolve several skin concerns. Many people think of chocolate as a tasty snack, but its benefits go far beyond its delicious taste. Cocoa butter is a common ingredient in skin care products and is an excellent moisturizer. It is ideal for sensitive skin, as it is entirely natural.
The bioactive compound in chocolate helps protect the skin against the harmful effects of the sun, improves blood circulation, and keeps the skin moisturized. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate can improve brain function. One study suggested that eating chocolate five days a week improved brain function. While this isn’t conclusive, it does seem that chocolate is a good choice for the elderly and people with poor mental function.
There is no evidence to support the role of chocolate in preventing cancer, but recent research suggests it may protect the skin from UV damage. Studies have shown that drinking chocolate that contains high-antioxidant flavanol content has anti-aging benefits. These benefits aren’t surprising, considering that chocolate contains high-quality antioxidants. It may also prevent premature wrinkling, a major cause of wrinkles and age spots.
Stress reduction
Eating chocolate has stress reduction benefits, according to research. Research has shown that eating dark chocolate may decrease stress levels. Chocolate has been proven to increase the levels of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, which helps to reduce cortisol. Eating chocolate can even help pregnant women have a stress-free baby. Fortunately, chocolate is not as unhealthy as you may think. While it contains a high amount of calories, it does not have any fat or cholesterol, which may cause it to have a beneficial effect on weight loss.
Another study found that eating chocolate significantly decreased perceived stress among college students. During the investigation, students consumed approximately 40 g of chocolate each day. The researchers also assessed the subjects’ stress levels using the PSS-10, the most commonly used psychological instrument to measure stress. It contains ten items scored on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 40. In addition, the researchers observed that the amount of chocolate consumed was not related to stress levels at the end of the study.
Another study suggests that chocolate may reduce stress by slowing down the production of “free radicals,” which are waste products generated by chemical reactions in the body. The researchers also found that eating dark chocolate reduced stress hormones in highly stressed participants. Additionally, the chocolate may help correct biochemical imbalances in the gut. Although these results are not conclusive, they are encouraging. These findings suggest that chocolate may help relieve stress and improve memory.