Here are ten healthy reasons to enjoy chocolate treats:
1. Chocolate has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure in a study by Yale University professor Dr. David Katz.
2. Not only has chocolate been shown to lower blood pressure, but it has been shown to actually increase blood flow. Eating chocolate triggers nitric oxide production in the body, which in turn causes blood vessels to widen and relax. Eating chocolate also helps blood to flow more smoothly by discouraging blood platelets from sticking to one another, lessening the chance of forming blood clots and plaque in the arteries. One study even concluded that consuming cocoa daily was almost as effective as taking a baby aspirin, which is often recommended for heart health.
3. Chocolate promotes a feeling of well-being by causing the brain to release endorphins. Chocolate also causes the brain to release serotonin, and healthy levels of serotonin are often also associated with a sense of well-being.
4. Surprisingly, chocolate has also been found to lower insulin resistance, allowing it to process glucose more effectively.
5. According to research done by Mary Engler, PhD, RN, of the University of California, eating a small piece of dark, healthy chocolate every day can lower blood pressure, prevent the build-up of LDL cholesterol, and protect the heart from free radical damage.
6. Pure cocoa is also nutrient-rich, with respectable amounts of B vitamins, iron, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
7. Like red wine, green tea and many fruits and vegetables, cocoa contains flavonoids (polyphenols), naturally occurring compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. These disease-fighting enzymes protect our bodies by trapping free-radical molecules and getting rid of them before damage occurs. Just one and a half ounces of chocolate has the same amount of phenols as a five-ounce glass of red wine, according to Andrew Waterhouse, Ph.D., another researcher at the University of California.
8. Not all chocolate is created with equal benefits, however. Dark chocolate is healthy, containing phytochemicals and nutrients, but processed chocolate is not as healthy. The percentage of antioxidants found in chocolate can vary depending on how much the chocolate has been chemically processed. Many low-quality chocolate brands and milk chocolate products actually lack most of the beneficial qualities. When adding chocolate treats to the diet, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommends eating dark chocolate with 70 percent or more pure cocoa to reap the benefits of flavonoids.
9. A study by Osaka University in Japan showed that cacao contains antibacterial agents that actually fight tooth decay. (But you should still brush your teeth after eating chocolate.)
10. According to studies by the Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the U.S. Naval Academy, eating chocolate treats did not cause a change in the skin condition of the study participants, which means that eating chocolate did not cause acne.
Now you can enjoy the best chocolate ever without guilt!
NOTE: This article is not meant to be medical advice; consult your doctor about the use of chocolate in your diet.
Lillie Corbell loves chocolate and is fascinated with what makes the best chocolate ever. She prefers European- style chocolate treats and enjoys them regularly.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lillie_Corbell
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