Chocolate Can Be Good For You
Categories: Cancer, Heart, Healthy Aging |
Posted: 2/7/2012 |
Views: 262
In August, 2011, medical researchers at the European Society of Cardiology announced that chocolate consumption may be able to reduce the risk of heart disease by one third. Many other studies done over the last decade have also reached the conclusion that something in chocolate can improve the cardiovascular system.
Dark chocolate, in particular, seems to be the best for us because it contains something called “flavonols.” Flavonols are thought to aid in the health of the cardiovascular system.
In addition to its “flavonols,” researchers are now starting to find evidence that dark chocolate also contains anti-oxidants which play a role in repairing the cell damage which can lead to cancer.
But that is still not all. Apparently, chocolate also contains substances like tryptophan and other substances that release endorphins – thought to be able to lift a low mood and/or depression.
Sounds wonderful and the danger in this article is that you will run off and eat a lot of chocolate. But, be careful. The studies done were done with pure chocolate or dark chocolate mostly. The milk and fat typically added to milk chocolate treats comes with negative health effects and a lot of extra calories.
Researchers recommend eating an ounce of dark chocolate a day as a treat. If you are eating a candy bar, you can look for dark varieties that claim at least 65% chocolate and the higher percentage, the better. Also, be aware that some of the components found in chocolate like flavonols and anti-oxidants are also found in high quantities in these foods as well:
Yellow onion
Curly kale
Leeks
Tomatoes
Broccoli
Tomato
Apples
Black tea
Green tea
Black grapes
Blueberries