How can chocolate effect your body

The benefits and risks of any other ingredients, such as sugar and fat, need to be considered. The researchers set out to investigate whether chocolate bars containing plant sterols PS and cocoa flavanols CF have any effect on cholesterol levels. Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.

The researchers found that hot chocolate helped improve blood flow to parts of the brain where it was needed. This extract could help slow symptoms such as cognitive decline. Another study, published in in the journal Appetite , suggests eating chocolate at least once weekly could improve cognitive function. Research published in The BMJ , suggests that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third. Based on their observations, the authors concluded that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.

Canadian scientists, in a study involving 44, individuals, found that people who ate one serving of chocolate were 22 percent less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not.

Also, those who had about two ounces of chocolate a week were 46 percent less likely to die from a stroke. A further study, published in the journal Heart in , tracked the impact of diet on the long-term health of 25, men and women.

The findings suggested that eating up to grams g of chocolate each day may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating 30 g about one ounce of chocolate every day during pregnancy might benefit fetal growth and development, according to a study presented at the Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Atlanta, GA.

Findings published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggest that a little dark chocolate might boost oxygen availability during fitness training. The scientists believe that the success of dark chocolate in this case is that it contains flavonols known as epicatechins, which enhance the release of nitric oxide in the body.

Beetroot juice has a similar effect. Manufacturers of light, or milk, chocolate, claim that their product is better for health because it contains milk, and milk provides protein and calcium. Supporters of dark chocolate point to the higher iron content and levels of antioxidants in their product. Here are some sample nutrient levels in light and dark chocolate,. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of cocoa, and so, in theory, the higher the level of antioxidants there will be in the bar.

However, nutrients vary widely in commercially available chocolate bars, depending on the brand and type you choose. It is best to check the label if you want to be sure of the nutrients. Unsweetened chocolates and percent cocoa products are available for purchase online, and at some grocery and health food stores.

But beginning or creating a balanced relationship with dark chocolate, in particular, may have a significantly positive impact on your overall health. Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. Among the most beneficial is a flavonol called epicatechin.

Flavonols are compounds found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. As in most healthy relationships, the key is to maintain a positive and balanced outlook. Dark chocolate has many health benefits and can definitely be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. There are many healthy ways to incorporate chocolate into your lifestyle, so find what works for you.

If you need some additional help or have trouble controlling what you eat, consider seeking help from a registered dietitian, nutritionist or other qualified health professional. Health Home Wellness and Prevention. A study showed that women who associated eating chocolate cake with celebration had more successful weight maintenance, while those who associated it with guilt were likely to encounter a number of problems, including: Less success at long- and short-term weight maintenance Feelings of helplessness and loss of control Unhealthy eating behaviors Greater body image dissatisfaction Reduced quality of life A key in reversing the negative effects of these chocolate cravings is to stop making it taboo.

These are just a few of the ways research has shown that dark chocolate can benefit you: Increases heart health: The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.

Balances the immune system : Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases. Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin.

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