Benefits and Content of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one type of chocolate that has benefits to lower blood pressure and has a high antioxidant content. We recommend the consumption of dark chocolate without a mixture of milk, for maximum benefit obtained.

Processed black chocolate that has been added to other ingredients such as nuts, caramels, or other food ingredients, can actually reduce the benefits for the heart. These additional ingredients will add fat and calories to the body.

Dark chocolate has a lot of content that is beneficial to the health of the body, like:

• First is the content of antioxidants. This substance is believed to fight free radicals that damage the body's cells. The formation of free radicals can not be avoided as they occur naturally from the body processes, such as the respiratory process. Source of free radicals from outside the body of cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes and environmental pollution.
• The second substance is high in dark chocolate are flavonoids. In humans, flavonoids are also antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. However, flavonoid intake can also be found in tea, apples and onions.
• Then there is the flavanol content in dark chocolate. Flavanol is what makes chocolate useful to lower blood pressure, reduce the tendency of platelets to clot, and increase blood flow to the brain and heart.

Unfortunately the processing of dark chocolate will usually decrease, even eliminating flavanols in dark chocolate. The more processing process, the flavanol level is getting less. So although dark chocolate has the highest flavanol content, if processing through a long process, it may be that the flavanol content decreases dramatically.

See Also: The Nutritional Contents of Melon

Many diseases can be prevented or alleviated by eating dark chocolate, such as:

Reduces blood pressure and stroke risk
A study conducted about 2-8 weeks showed, the effect of lowering blood pressure from consumption of dark chocolate. Although, mentioned further research needs to be done.

Based on the study, people who ate two chocolate bars per day had a lower risk of stroke when compared with people who rarely or never eat chocolate. Of course, the risk of this cancer should also be coupled with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Relieves stress
Research proves that eating chocolate regularly in certain amounts can help relieve stress. But this study still has some drawbacks so that the results can not be used as a proof of the theory. Therefore, more studies are needed to prove the efficacy of dark chocolate to relieve stress.

Although dark chocolate is believed to have many health benefits, you are advised not to overdo it. Keep applying a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to achieve optimal body stamina.

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