Never feel bad about sneaking chocolate into your daily diet, because chocolate is very good for your overall heath!
Chocolate has over 300 chemicals, many displaying positive health benefits in numerous studies. Even the smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
- Cacao – contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Pity about the high sugar content!!
- Phenyl ethylamine – a mild mood elevator
- Antioxidants – fighter of age causing free radicals
- Cocoa butter – contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
- Flavanoids - may help keep blood vessels elastic. Catechins, abundant in cocoa and minimally processed chocolates, could also help prevent heart disease and possibly cancer, and boost the immune system. Dark chocolate contains more than 3 times the amount of catechins as that found in tea.
- Carbohydrates - raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
Common Health claims about the side effects of chocolate include:
- Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
- Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don’t.
- Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
Chocolate is also a good source of copper and magnesium, which helps to regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.
So there it is, chocolate is health food – but like everything, moderation is key. And choosing the right type of chocolate [dark, unfilled] has significantly more benefits.
Nicola
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