3 min read
Is chocolate your guilty pleasure? Stress no more and think big. A 2012 study established a correlation between the consumption of chocolate per capita in a country and their number of Nobel Prize winners. The higher the consumption, the higher the rate. Coincidence? We think not! Here are 8 reasons why chocolate is good for you.
Thanks to flavonol, a natural nutrient found in cacao, chocolate may improve your cognitive function by boosting brain blood flow. Flavonol is also known to reduce memory loss and increase verbal fluency for the elderly. Too good to be true? Read up the British study that proves chocolate may help you think better and faster.
A 2007 study has shown that people consuming chocolate regularly lowered their risk of heart disease, cholesterol, and calcified plaque in their arteries. Thanks to its flavonoids such as epicatechin and catechin, chocolate allows arteries and veins to stay supple.
Chocolate with at least 60% cacao have a high amount of theanine which is known to enhance attention span and relaxation.
Chocolate has many compounds such as polyphenols, catechins and flavanols that have a very active antioxidant effect. Antioxidants are good for the heart and may lower risks of some types of cancers. Levels are said to be 3 times higher than in green tea and two times higher than in wine
Due to its high levels of theobromine and magnesium, chocolate has a positive impact on stress, anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that chocolate-eaters are calmer and happier. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine which is a chemical that pushes your brain to release endorphins. These hormones trigger a feel-good feeling in the body.
A study conducted by the London University of Arts has shown that people who were eating dark chocolate could handle sun exposure longer without burning compared to non-chocolate eaters or people eating chocolate with low flavonols. Flavonols improve skin hydration and density which in turn help protect you against sun damage.
Eaten in moderation, chocolate contributes to lower body mass index (BMI). The catechin within chocolate helps reduce weight and leads to slimmer muscles. Moreover, dark chocolate helps triggering the satiety feeling that can prevent you from over-snacking.
Because chocolate helps reduce stress, a 2004 Finnish study has linked smiling and laughing babies with the fact that their mothers were eating dark chocolate during pregnancy.
Plus, chocolate could reduce pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia (characterized by very high blood pressure) thanks to the theobromine that dynamizes the heart, dilates blood vessels and relaxes muscles.
Definitely not milk or white chocolate. The above listed health benefits are for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao.
70% + dark chocolate contains:
But beware: dark chocolate is very rich and is best consumed in moderation!
If you are like the Healthy Matters team, you may want to indulge every day… ok maybe twice a day. Our office's ultimate favorite is 78% dark chocolate! We’re a happy team but maybe not that calm...
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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