Chocolates are no doubt good for the taste buds, whether you are a chocoholic or an infrequent indulger, but are they beneficial to your overall health?
Very often, research reports have stated certain food items to be beneficial only to have it contradicted by a newer research on the same. The good news is that in the case of chocolates, most of the research tends to support earlier findings and come to the same conclusion. Chocolate is beneficial to your health when you eat it regularly but in small quantities.
Let’s find out more about these benefits. The key compound in cocoa beans is a type of flavanoid – flavanol. Flavanoids are antioxidants that remove free radicals or toxins from our bodies. And, while we are at it, take a peek through the samplings at chocholik.com made from premium Belgian chocolates and choose something that is both healthy and tasty.
Nine Health Benefits of Chocolate
Chocolate Protects Tooth Enamel
In addition to flavanol, chocolates also contain polyphenols – another antioxidant. Studies have shown that it prevents the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. The sugar in chocolates doesn’t stick to our enamel thanks to the cocoa butter present in chocolates, especially in dark chocolate. You can now indulge in a dark chocolate from the Sophisticated Chocolate Collection.
Chocolate Protects against Diarrhea
Flavanoids are naturally found in plants and are a major compound found in cocoa beans. The flavanol in chocolate bind themselves to a protein that controls the small intestine’s fluid secretion. This helps prevent the occurrence of diarrhea. Historically, diarrhea has been treated in South America and Europe with cocoa.
Chocolate Prevents Coughs
Chocolate is chock-a-block with minerals and vitamins. It also contains an alkaloid called theobromine. Scientific studies have proven theobromine to be more effective than leading cough medicines when it comes to providing relief from persistent cough. Chocolate also moistens and soothes the throat.
Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Studies conducted on chocolate have shown the darker varieties to be useful in lowering blood pressure. Similarly, when consumed on a regular basis, they lower LDL cholesterol levels. This helps in preventing strokes and protecting the heart. This definitely calls for a chocolate from the Divine Classic Chocolate Box.
Chocolate Improves Flow of Blood
Research proves that chocolates have anti-clotting and blood thinning properties. They work like aspirin to improve the flow of blood.
Chocolate Improves Memory and Vision
The flavanols in chocolate help improve the blood flow to the various organs of the body. This, researchers believe can help in better vision. The improved blood flow makes people awake and alert and is conducive to retaining memory and improved performance, both short term and long term.
Chocolate Reduces Stress and Increases Happiness
Chocolate contains seratonin that acts as an antidepressant. Chocolate also lowers hormones levels related to stress. Chocolates stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain which create pleasure sensations in us.
In a study, pregnant women who had chocolates during their pregnancy were found to have happier kids who smiled more often than those who pregnant women who didn’t have chocolates. Time to lose the blues with the Authentic Assortment Of Heavenly Chocolates.
Chocolate Prevents Diabetes
Chocolates low in sugar content or sugar free ones can reduce the risk of diabetes. The flavanols in chocolate are considered to increase the production of nitric acid and in turn increase insulin sensitivity.
Chocolate Protects Against the Sun
While you can’t throw away your bottle of sunscreen just yet, chocolates with higher concentration of flavanols can reduce the burning or tanning effect of the UV rays on our skin. Let’s tease the sun with the Amazing Chocolate Box.