Health and beauty tips – Dark Chocolate? Is it true or false?
Health articles state that a growing number of studies indicate, while it’s not considered health food, dark chocolate can be a heart-healthy choice. Dark chocolate’smain ingredient iscocoa and the flavanols in cocoa beans have antioxidant effects that reduce cell damage that is implicated in heart disease. Flavonols also help lower blood pressure and improve vascular function.
An interesting piece of information is that, when compared to strawberries, dark chocolate has 8 times more antioxidants.
Chocolate lovers will also be happy to know that some of the fats in chocolate are healthy.Oleic acid is the same healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, while stearic acid provides a saturated fat with a neutral effect on cholesterol.
A few things to keep in mind when consuming dark chocolate:
- Choose one that has at least 65% cocoa content.
- 85 grams (or 3 ounces) is all that’s needed daily to maximize the heart healthy benefits.
- To add a little more flavor, choose a dark chocolate that contains orange peel, nuts, or natural flavorings.
Check out this article, Diseases of the Heart, for more health and beauty tips on heart-healthy care.
who does not love chocolates anyway, chocolates are so tasty and yummy-~”
Dark chocolate is my favorite kind of chocolate. Chocolates have some natural antioxidants too.”"`
Man, I wish I liked dark chocolate. It’s too bitter. I’ll have to try some with orange peels, nuts, or the other stuff you suggested. Thanks!
Haha so true.