Dark Chocolate: A Mouth Watering Solution for Having a Healthy Heart

To the delight of chocolate lovers all over the world, some of the prestigious medical researches have revealed that consumption of dark chocolate daily over an extended period of time may result in many health benefits like reduced blood pressure and improved heart function among the others.

What is dark chocolate?

A wide range of candies and candy bars are commonly referred to as "chocolates." Although all of these sweets contain cocoa powder as the chief flavor evoking ingredient, they are hugely different from each other in a number of aspects. As opposed to the milk and other types of chocolates, the quantity of cocoa is much higher in a dark chocolate than in any other forms of chocolate.

The beneficial ingredients

Like fruits and vegetable, chocolates also originate from the plants. Although not all varieties, but the dark chocolates are rich in helpful flavoniods. Flavoniods are antioxidants containing such elements as procyanidins, epicatechins, and catechins. Flavoniods prevent cholesterol deposits in blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots and complexities relating to clogged arteries. The traditional milk rich chocolate manufacturing procedures destroy almost fifty percent of this Flavoniods. But dark chocolates can be made with such improved process where it is possible to retain 95% of its flavoniods.

The Health Benefits

• Because of their high flavanol count, these chocolates are very good for the functioning of heart. By reducing LDL oxidation it increases the antioxidant levels and HDL concentrations in the blood.
• The flavanol have similar effect as aspirin which reduces the risk of heart attack by stabilizing arterial plaque and their free movement in the blood.
• They also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which makes the arteries flexible, helps blood vessels relax and ensures smooth blood circulation. Thus it works for the control of blood pressure.
• Flavonoid-rich dark chocolates also reduce the risk of such diseases as type 2 diabetes, asthma, lung and prostate cancer.

Points to remember

• Never make health benefits an excuse for consuming unlimited amount of chocolates! The doctor recommended amount is around three ounces daily.
• Chocolate is a source of enormous calories. If you are consuming more chocolates, it is good to strike a balance by restricting the intake of other foods.

For more related information:

Chocolate | Mixed Candy | Candy