The benefits of dark chocolate
Posted 05-15-2012 at 12:53 AM by AeJeen
Tags dark chocolate, phenols
Haven’t all of us desired at one time or another that processed food might be good for us? What if the food pyramid told individuals to eat several servings of chips and cookies each day? While it’s not likely that will ever happen, there is fantastic news for fans of dark chocolate. A new study done by experts at San Diego State University suggests “Dark chocolate may decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering levels of blood glucose and bad cholesterol while boosting amounts of good cholesterol.” And it’s all because of a few little substances referred to as flavanols and phenols.
Good News for Dark Chocolate Lovers
The secret ingredients
Flavanols are a part of dark chocolate, which, according to studies, “have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research has [also] shown a link between flavanol intake and risk for cardiovascular disease.” Phenols come from the cocoa plant and are also known to lower blood pressure.
Results from San Diego State University
The study at San Diego State University involved having people eat either 50 grams of dark chocolate or 50 grams of white chocolate every single day for fifteen days. At the end of 15 days, “the tests said that those who ate dark chocolate had lower levels of blood glucose and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and higher levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than those who ate white chocolate.”
Moderation in all things
Though dark chocolate certainly has health advantages, make sure to practice moderation in its consumption. Dark chocolate has high amounts of saturated fat, not to mention calories. Make sure to leave out some other discretionary calorie sources whenever you eat dark chocolate.
Sources
Medline Plus
WebMD
Good News for Dark Chocolate Lovers
The secret ingredients
Flavanols are a part of dark chocolate, which, according to studies, “have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research has [also] shown a link between flavanol intake and risk for cardiovascular disease.” Phenols come from the cocoa plant and are also known to lower blood pressure.
Results from San Diego State University
The study at San Diego State University involved having people eat either 50 grams of dark chocolate or 50 grams of white chocolate every single day for fifteen days. At the end of 15 days, “the tests said that those who ate dark chocolate had lower levels of blood glucose and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and higher levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than those who ate white chocolate.”
Moderation in all things
Though dark chocolate certainly has health advantages, make sure to practice moderation in its consumption. Dark chocolate has high amounts of saturated fat, not to mention calories. Make sure to leave out some other discretionary calorie sources whenever you eat dark chocolate.
Sources
Medline Plus
WebMD
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