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Chocolate = Good Health. Can We Talk?

Posted March 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard

Section: Her Health, Her Nutrition, Diet Myths, Healthy Eating, Her News

We have all heard that chocolate is good for us, but most people think that it’s because chocolate is rich in antioxidants – and that’s true. However, there really is more you should know about the health benefits of chocolate, so please: let’s talk. 

Studies have shown that when you eat a little bit of dark chocolate (one square), you can experience long term effects of lower blood pressure. This particular study came from Germany and it’s a study that is quoted as being “exceedingly well done”. The research was released last July and the results were touted as “nothing short of revolutionary” by hypertension expert Dr Franz H Messerli (Columbia University, New York).

The reasons for the effect aren’t exactly clear, but it’s believed that eating or drinking cocoa produces an increase in nitric oxide, a substance that promotes healthy blood vessels. Cocoa has been shown to have the same effect as blood pressure medications. The same results could not be seen with tea, perhaps because of the difference in polyphenols between the two. The study is hard evidence that small amounts of dark chocolate can be a healthy addition to your diet. 

Another study not only showed the same blood pressure lowering effects, but it was found that chocolate also reduced LDL (the bad) cholesterol. It also yielded benefits in reducing insulin resistance – a problem associated with body’s ability to properly metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. When we don’t metabolize these substances properly it’s harder to lose weight, cholesterol levels rise and the body cannot utilize glucose efficiently.

A little bit of dark chocolate has also been shown to help smokers by improving the function of the arteries and helps prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke and heart attack. The effect lasted for eight hours after eating 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate. 

We’ve known for years that dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant, but we sometimes shun it because it isn’t part of our food pyramid. Chocolate is viewed as calorie laden and without nutritional benefit. Studies done over the past two years prove that it’s more than okay to add a small amount of dark chocolate to a healthy diet. Just remember, a little bit goes a long way, so don’t overindulge.

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Tags: antioxidants, chocolate can be part of a healthy diet, chocolate health, chocolate health benefits, chocolate nutrition, cocoa benefits, cocoa lowers blood pressure, healthy foods, talk about chocolate

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