The sound of snapping a fresh, untouched bar of chocolate is normally accompanied by a loud warning bell and a distinct air of remorse. Thankfully, modern research now suggests that eating dark chocolate can actually provide a multitude of health benefits.
As per a recent study involving fifteen people over a course of fifteen days, researchers have now found evidence to support that eating 100g of dark chocolate each day actually lowered blood pressure. The University of L'Aquila team also discovered that the body's ability to metabolise sugar, particularly a problem for those with diabetes, was dramatically improved. The selection of people involved also ate the same amount of white chocolate, but this had no effect whatsoever. The team have since explained that an antioxidant called flavanol was responsible for this incredible effect due to the fact that if neutralises potentially cell-damaging substances known oxygen free radicals.
In the past, it has been assumed that chocolate is plain and simply bad for our health and should be avoided. End of story. Supposedly the culprit behind a host of health problems including poor dental health and obesity, chocolate has been stereotyped as the forbidden fruit, the ultimate guilty pleasure to be avoided as much as possible. However, as with virtually all foods, eating absolutely masses of the stuff on a daily basis will inevitably lead to health problems. Eating twenty cheese sandwiches every day is not a healthier alternative to eating twenty bars of chocolate.
In moderation, chocolate has cleverly proven itself to be a superb little health assistant, particularly in its most natural form. It is important to note that your average milk and white chocolate is not going to provide any health advantages at all as it largely packed with sugar - but your 70-90% cocoa options are most definitely the way forward.
Dark chocolate is packed with minerals such as magnesium and copper, minerals which aid the regulation of normal blood pressure and therefore help maintain normal heart beat rates. Not only this, but chocolate is also a potential stress reliever which takes effect by stimulating the production of endorphins which smack us with that giddy, happy feeling. In addition, dark chocolate contains extra stimulants like theobromine and caffeine - equals an uplifting buzz afterwards!
Dark chocolate also not only relaxes us, but furthermore makes the blood vessels more flexible which in turn helps to boost the functioning of endothelial cells which line the blood cells. The overall result? A decreased risk of innumerable cardiovascular diseases.
Perhaps one of the most rumoured effects is that of antioxidants and chocolate's cleansing ability to entirely wipe out free radicals and other potentially harmful molecules in our bodies which might lead to further health problems, a rumour that is entirely true. The antioxidants in chocolate also help fight against premature aging and heart diseases.
But before you head out a purchase the largest bar you can find in aid of making yourself look ten years younger, remember that all chocolate regardless of its variety, still contains huge amounts of fat and calories. Chocolate also contains a variety of potentially harmful substances like theobromine and caffeine which whilst acting as a mood elevator, can also become addictive.
Stick to a few small squares of the purest chocolate you can find, and these benefits will most definitely be heading your way; scoff the stuff in the television adverts excessively and you are more likely to end up with an whopping gut and high cholesterol!
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