We asked registered dietitian Mira Ilic, RD, LD , to give us the breakdown about which chocolate is best for your heart health. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Ahh, the rich flavor of chocolate!
Flavonoids are antioxidants that fight cell-damaging free radicals in your body. Cocoa naturally has a very strong, pungent taste, which comes from the flavanols. When cocoa is processed into your favorite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce this taste. The more chocolate is processed through things like fermentation, alkalizing, roasting, etc. Dark chocolate. The remainder is cocoa butter the natural fat of the cocoa bean , sugar, an emulsifier what holds ingredients together and vanilla or other flavorings.
The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavanols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration The minimal erythemal dose MED is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks But check with your doctor or dermatologist before forgoing your normal skin care routine in favor of more dark chocolate.
Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage. One study of healthy volunteers showed that eating high flavanol cocoa for 5 days improved blood flow to the brain Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease, as well Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow.
It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to savor them. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. You might want to check out this guide on how to find the best dark chocolate.
Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits. You can shop for dark chocolate at local grocers or online. There are hundreds of different types of dark chocolate. Read this guide to find the best types of dark chocolate to buy, as well as which to avoid. Coffee, despite having been demonized in the past, is actually good for you.
Here are a few tips to make sure your cup of coffee is as healthy as…. This article takes a detailed look at red wine and its health effects. Moderate amounts are very healthy, but too much can have devastating effects. Red wine is said to be healthier than white, but are they really that different?
Here is a detailed look at their nutrition profiles and health…. What is it that makes dark chocolate desirable? The answer is plant phenols — cocoa phenols, to be exact. Eating dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure if you have mild high blood pressure and you balance the extra calories by eating less of other things, say researchers in a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Dark chocolate is also loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as healthy antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, among others. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate contained more antioxidant activity , polyphenols, and flavanols than fruits such as blueberries and Acai berries.
The high levels of flavonoids — potent antioxidants — help protect cells and tissues from damage by free radicals. These radicals are unstable molecules that alter and weaken cells and often come from stress, poor diet, and the inevitable aging. Dark chocolate also contains significant amounts of minerals magnesium and copper. Energy production, strong bones, relaxed muscles, and effective nerve transmission are all supported by Magnesium.
That same bar also contains 34 percent RDA of copper. Copper helps the body create neurotransmitters and is associated with a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.
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