Chocolate offers numerous health benefits, including reduction of oxidative stress, lipid levels and blood pressure. Consider adding a daily dose to your health plan.
Chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean, which botanically speaking, is known as Theobroma cacao, which means "food of the gods." The good news about dark chocolate seems to be increasing each day. Rich in catechins and procyanidin antioxidants, chocolate reduces oxidative stress in patients with autoimmune disease. Oxidative stress contributes to inflammation and triggers the autoimmune process. Other health benefits include its ability to thin blood, increase serotonin levels and elevate mood. And according to recent studies, chocolate may also have the potential to improve cognitive function. A serving of dark chocolate measures 9,000 units on the antioxidant activity scale compared to 2,000 units in a serving of fruit. A 1999 study at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania found that chocolate contained more antioxidants than 23 different vegetables and several fruits.
Chocolate, like aspirin, is able to thin blood and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. In addition, chocolate increases levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and prevents cholesterol from adhering to artery walls. Studies show increased longevity in men who drink hot chocolate daily and an overall 30 percent risk of heart disease in people who eat chocolate daily. Chocolate also has a beneficial effect on blood pressure by increasing production of nitric oxide, which dilates arteries.
Katharine Hepburn claimed that she owed her beauty and good health to a daily serving of chocolate. And indeed chocolate is reported to increase blood flow to the skin. Daily chocolate consumption is associated with a 25 percent reduction in sun damage associated wit wrinkling, sunburn, and skin cancer.
Dark chocolate contains about ten times more bioflavinoid antioxidants than milk chocolate or cocoa powder, which are usually diluted with milk and sugar. The highest levels of antioxidants are found in chocolate containing 70 percent cocoa. The fat content and calories in chocolate must be taken into consideration, and if calories are a problem, it's best to avoid chocolate products containing additional ingredients such as caramel or coconut.
Most importantly, chocolate is an indulgence that brings pleasure and enjoyment. The benefits of pleasurefor patients with autoimmune disease justify the addition of dark chocolate to one's daily diet.
Resource:
Elizabeth Sommer, chocolate Unwrapped, Natural Health, December/January 2007.
