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Dark Choclate is Good for your Health |
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Written by Webmaster
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Thursday, 12 March 2009 |
By Chocolate7 Lifestyle7
 Chocolates have been around for many years. It has been marketed in multiple ways. Chocolates have been given tags such as a heavenly pleasure, the modern food of the gods and a sweet indulgence. It has been incorporated in a wide array of desserts and beverages. Chocolates can be blended with coffees, shakes, cakes and ice creams. Studies have been made and like everything else, chocolates have its pros and cons. Excessive store bought commercial chocolate consumption has been known to cause addiction, tooth decay, heart problems and obesity. But it is not all bad. There was a time that it was considered as an aphrodisiac. Chocolates have been reported as a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body and inhibit oxidation reactions. Antioxidants improve the bodys immune system, inhibit cell aging and promote cell regeneration. Common antioxidants are ascorbic acids, tocotrienols, flavonoids, lycopene and carotenes.
Studies show that commercial chocolates have reduced amounts of antioxidants. During processing the flavonoid content is replaced by sugar, milk and caffeine. Dark chocolates or unprocessed chocolates relatively have higher anti-oxidant content than commercial
chocolates. Health concerned individuals actually prefer dark chocolates.
Dark chocolates are rich in flavonoids, procyanidins and cocoa polyphenols. Dark chocolates also contain vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, copper and potassium. At correct amounts, these minerals are very beneficial to the body.
Cocoa polyphenols helps reduce cholesterol content in blood. It contains both soluble and insoluble fibers that help cleanse the digestive system. Polyphenol rich dark chocolates lower the risk of colon cancer, improve the bodys metabolism and prevent constipation.
Flavonoids are abundant in chocolates. So far dark chocolates have the highest flavonoid content than any food. It surpasses tomatoes and red wines. Flavonoid rich dark chocolates strengthen the capillary walls of blood vessels reducing the risk of tumor and heart attacks. Flavonoid regulates blood flow and improves the distribution of nutrients throughout the body.
Procyanidins is known as an anti-aging compound. It is abundant in dark chocolates as well as in traditional red wines. Procyanidins help relax the blood vessels thereby regulating the bodys vascular system. Studies show that eating dark chocolates improve the endothelial cells preventing blood clogging. Procyanidins also decreases blood pressure and prevents gum diseases.
Acute mineral consumption also helps regulate the body systems. Magnesium is necessary for energy production, nerve conduction, muscle relaxation and bone development. Magnesium helps relax muscles and ease pains and cramps. Copper is an essential component in many chemical processes within the body. It promotes energy absorption and assists in the breakdown of food. Both of these minerals are present in dark chocolates. Dark chocolates also contain partial amounts of potassium. Potassium prevents cardiovascular ailments and lowers the risk of heart attacks.
Dark chocolates are now being accepted as healthy food. It is now included in health centered diets such as the famous south beach diet. Xocai Dark Chocolates are also recommended to diabetic individuals and they are a good source of antioxidant
Chocolate Lifestyle is author of this article on Diabetic Friendly Chocolate.
Find more information about Chocolate & Weight Controlhere.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 March 2009 )
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