From an article on the Huffington Post:
It might not be much of a surprise when we read about how eatingbroccoli can lower the risk of certain cancers, or how loaded withantioxidants fruits and vegetables are. It seems that virtually everyday we see a report of a newly-discovered health benefit of a fruit orvegetable. We can almost expect foods we know we "should be eating" toeventually produce some research that will show remarkable properties.What a pleasant surprise that we can add theoften-forbidden-yet-highly-desired chocolate to that list ofhealthy plant-based foods. Now there is a way to enjoy chocolatewithout guilt--and know that it can have a favorable effect on yourhealth!
I've long enjoyed dark chocolate as a treat; now it's an extra bonusto eat a piece and know of its fascinating health-promoting properties.I especially enjoy helping to reduce the guilt-ridden looks on mypatients' faces when they confess giving into their chocolate cravings.I try to absolve them of their guilt by citing the latest research andsharing with them how chocolate can be part of a healthy eating plan.
Most of you probably don't need an excuse to enjoy fine chocolate,but just in case you do, here are some healthy reasons to indulgeyourself a little:
1. High in antioxidants: Chocolate is high inflavonoids, an antioxidant in the polyphenol category. Antioxidants canhelp to prevent cell damage and have been linked to prevention ofcancer and other degenerative diseases.
2. Helps with cholesterol: Scientists at Penn State found that dark chocolate and flavonoid-rich cocoa powder reduced LDL ("bad" cholesterol) oxidation.
3. Reduces inflammation: An Italian studyshowed that when volunteers ingested small amounts of dark chocolate,their levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) decreased.
4. Lowers blood pressure: A studypublished in the Journal of the American Medical Association showedthat dark chocolate had an effect on lowering blood pressure.
5. Helps with mood: Chocolate contains tryptophan,a precursor of serotonin, which can help with depression. Research alsoshows chocolate can increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter associatedwith pleasure. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA) known asthe "love chemical."
6. Improves blood flow: Researchpublished in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown thatcocoa has anti-clotting, blood-thinning properties that work in asimilar way as aspirin. Nobody is suggesting to replace your aspirinwith chocolate, but the research is compelling.
7. It's delicious! Research shows that enjoying food and life is beneficial for your health.
So, does one enjoy the health benefits of chocolate with a steady diet of Snickers and Milky Way?
Hardly. It seems that the health benefits of chocolate come inpackages that don't include nougat, caramel, or high amounts of sugar.
Most studies were done using cocoa powder or dark chocolate. Experts suggest that adding small amounts(a one ounce piece a few times a week) of dark chocolate to a healthydiet that includes antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will give youa variety of phytochemicals (beneficial elements of plants) that haveproven health benefits.
Thanks to all of those scientists and the volunteers who allowedthemselves to be the subjects for chocolate research so we could learnto enjoy this guilty pleasure with a little less guilt. I hope you hadall had fun doing it. I can't think of a better research study toparticipate in!
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