Why is Dark Chocolate good for me you ask?
We are not even sure where to begin listing the benefits of dark chocolate but perhaps just start by saying that many people agree it is not only incredibly healthy and nutritious, but is also delicious to eat!
And it must be noted that, here we are talking real dark chocolate and not processed and sweetened milk chocolate.
A quality dark chocolate has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. It also contains a decent amount of soluble fiber, and is loaded with minerals such as magnesium, copper and manganese.
The fats contained in cocoa and dark chocolate are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat.
You need to find a dark chocolate that contains 70% or more of cocoa, that has been cold pressed and not heated above 160° to maintain the existance of the antioxidants and other nutrients.
One of the surprising benefits of dark chocolate is that it could boost mood and relieve the symptoms of depression.
Dark chocolate is made from cocoa butter instead of milk based butter which contains small amounts of Anandamide and is similar in structure to the component used in certain cannabis oil products which provides a mood and energy boost without the risk of addiction.
Dark chocolate is rich in minerals such as magnesium and copper and these minerals help to regulate our blood pressure and thereby maintaining proper heartbeat levels.
Dark chocolate also contains a component called theobromine which can help lower blood pressure because it dilates the blood vessels.
So you may succumb to the need for chocolate and not feel guilty, as long as it is dark chocolate, and meets the specifications above.
While fruit, vegetables and tea are known sources of antioxidants, research shows that the cocoa bean is more potent, with one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients around.
The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL.
In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.
In fact, several long-term observational studies show a fairly drastic improvement.
Dark Chocolate has a potent antioxidant content, which is a treat for your immune system.
Antioxidants can be looked upon as the "infantry" because they are the natural soldiers that help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules out looking for trouble!!
These molecules have lost an electron and in their frantic search to find another one, they will destroy healthy cells in their path and so doing also create more free radicals.
Whilst causing damage to cells, they are impairing the immune system which leads to infections and various degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
So enjoy your dark chocolate and scare the hell out of those free radicals.
Cocoa contains a component called theobromine, which is thought to make dark chocolate an efficient remedy for coughs and prevents symptoms of asthma because it helps to open up airways.
Unlike other Asthma medications it does not make you drowsy.
Another reason why dark chocolate is good for us is because it is believed to help improve brain function, focus and memory, which could only lend a hand to those people suffering from dementia.
1-2ozs ounces or 30-60 grams per day, more than that and you will be consuming too many calories.
This article was printed from JillsMusic.com
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