24
Dr Hala
says....
Most of the health benefits
of chocolate are provided by
compounds called flavanols
- which dark chocolate is
rich in it. It’s considered to
be ‘healthy’ as it provides
a high concentrated dose
of flavanols. However, this
is not license to start eating
a pound of dark chocolate
every day. In addition to
the flavonols, chocolate
contains a sugar, fat and
calories.
Researchers estimate that
eating just an ounce of
dark chocolate every
day
is enough to get some
positive benefit.
Chocoholics
Delight
Health Tips
Hopefully we have you thinking about dumping a can of coke
for a healthier option. Now it’s time for a treat. Did you know
that eating chocolate isn’t bad for you? Here are some of the
benefits of dark chocolate (although don’t forget it is still high
in fat)!
Good for Your Heart
Studies show that eating a small amount
of dark chocolate two or three times
each week can help lower your blood
pressure. Dark chocolate improves
blood flow and may help prevent the
formation of blood clots.
Good for Your Brain
Dark chocolate increases blood flow
to the brain, so it can help improve
cognitive function. Dark chocolate
also helps reduce your risk of stroke.
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine
(PEA); this encourages your brain to
release endorphins, so eating dark
chocolate will make you feel happier.
Helps Control Blood Sugar
Dark chocolate helps keep your blood
vessels healthy and your circulation
unimpaired to protect against type
two diabetes. The flavonoids in dark
chocolate also help reduce insulin
resistance by helping your cells to
function normally, and regain the ability
to use your body’s insulin efficiently.
Full of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is loaded with
antioxidants. Antioxidants help free
your body of free radicals, which cause
oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals
are implicated in the aging process
and may be a cause of cancer, so
eating antioxidant rich foods like dark
chocolate can protect you from many
types of cancer and slow the signs of
aging.
Contains Theobromine
Dark chocolate contains theobromine,
which has been shown to harden
tooth enamel. That means that dark
chocolate, unlike most other sweets,
lowers your risk of getting cavities if you
practice proper dental hygiene.
Theobromine is also a mild stimulant,
though not as strong as caffeine. It can,
however, help to suppress coughs.
High in Vitamins and
Minerals
Dark chocolate contains a number of
vitamins and minerals that can support
your health. Dark chocolate contains
some of the following vitamins and
minerals in high concentrations:
• Potassium
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Iron
