Having scoffed all your Easter chocolate, you may be feeling bad, but not all chocolate is equal. If you're a fan of dark chocolate and cocoa, then you could actually be health-savvy.
Dark chocolate is naturally rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Cocoa contains both antioxidants and anti-coagulants, which is a natural property of aspirin, and they help prevent blood clots. Cocoa butter in chocolate acts like olive oil, as it contains a number of essential oils good for strengthening the bones, hair, nails, and skin. To obtain any health benefit from chocolate, you must find some that is at least 70% cocoa.
Lower blood pressure and control of blood sugar levels A study by the University of L'Aguila in Italy found that eating 100g of dark chocolate every day lowered blood pressure and evened blood sugar levels. Scientists think this is the flavanol in dark chocolate, which mediates nitric oxide production, a compound necessary for healthy blood flow. Flavanols are antioxidants that repair damage and protect against toxins, counteracting free radicals that lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow have found that dark chocolate can boost blood antioxidant levels by a huge 20%. Milk chocolate doesn't have the same benefits, as its cocoa content has been diluted with bad fats and sugars, and the milk is thought to block absorption of any existing protective antioxidants. A study from the Journal of Hypertension found that hypertensive people who ate 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate per day for two weeks saw their blood pressure drop significantly.
Lower cholesterol Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol by up to 10%, according to a Tufts University study. It also has oleic acid, a healthy fat that has cardiovascular, cancer-fighting, and skin boosting properties.
Pain relief and reduced anxiety Dark chocolate's theobromine, caffeine, tyramine and phenylethylamine (PEA) stimulate the production of serotonin and endorphins, the body's natural opiates.
Improved brain function Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found improved brain performance and blood flow in female subjects who were given a cocoa drink high in flavanols.
A study from Wheeling Jesuit University in the US has shown that the theobromine and phenyl-ethylamine in chocolate increases mental performance and flavanols have been shown to improve memory and concentration. Scientists are now trying to use these findings to help dementia sufferers. A lot of the cocoa sold today is low in flavanols, so check the labels first.
Increased muscular endurance Researchers at Indiana University found that chocolate milk helped cyclists on endurance tests more effectively than some sports drinks.
Better skin (yes really!) German researchers gave 24 women a half-cup of flavonoid-enriched cocoa every day. After three months, their skin was more moist and smooth.
Sex drive boost Chocolate really is an aphrodisiac. The stimulants in it kickstart the part of the brain responsible for moods and emulate falling in love.
Go one step further and try raw chocolate, aka cacao nibs or beans. Some experts believe raw chocolate is the best source in the world of chromium, magnesium, and anandamide (the "bliss chemical"). It has 15 times more antioxidants than blueberries, 20 times more than red wine, and 30 times more than green tea. And pure cocoa (as in raw chocolate) contains almost no caffeine.
Raw chocolate packs a punch with its heart, hormone, and mood-boosting properties. Around 25g a day or 50g twice a week is recommended for the maximum benefit. (£4.45 by Rawcreation Ltd at www.detox yourworld.com or 08700 113 119).
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