You must be know the delicious taste of chocolate, but do you ever know or care about benefits of dark chocolate? Because not all foods that has chocolate taste is from dark chocolate. Some of them are only the taste that taken from other ingredients that has the same taste. So, we need to know about it first. Chocolate is the name for the processed food or beverages from cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Chocolate was first consumed by the inhabitants of ancient Mesoamerica as a beverage.
The occurrence of chocolate flavor fraud often occurs because the cocoa is a relatively expensive material as compared to sugar or vegetable oils. Both of these materials are often used to replace cocoa. Cocoa fat is often replaced by a cheaper oil, such as lecithin from soy or palm oil. Apart from the price, with both materials chocolate coating is made easier. Comparison cocoa solid (non-fat component of the seeds are ground) also tend to be low.
According to the American Dietetic Association, the purer chocolate that we consume, then we will get the greater benefits. Pure chocolate contains alkaloids such as theobromine, fenetilamina, and anandamida, which has physiological effects on the body. The contents are widely linked to serotonin levels in the brain. According to scientists, the chocolate is eaten in normal amounts regularly can lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate lately getting promotion because many health benefits when consumed in moderation, including anti-oxidant content which can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body.
9 benefits of dark chocolate for health
1. According to research conducted by Mary Engler, PhD, RN, of the University of California, eating a small piece of dark chocolate every day can lower blood pressure, prevent the buildup of LDL cholesterol and protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Pure cocoa is also rich in nutrients, such as vitamin B, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
3. Chocolate has been proven to have benefits for the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure, in a study conducted by Professor Dr. David Katzdari from Yale University.
4. Besides proven to lower blood pressure, chocolate also been shown to increase blood flow. Eating chocolate triggers the production of nitric oxide in the body, which can cause the blood vessels become wider and relax.Eating chocolate also helps blood flow more smoothly by discouraging blood platelets from sticking to each other, as well as reduce the likelihood of blood clots and plaque formation in arteries.
5. A study in Japan showed that cacao contains antibacterial agents that can prevent tooth decay. But you still have to brush your teeth after eating chocolate.
6. Chocolate can lead to brain secrete endorphins and serotonin, the hormone that makes the feeling so relaxed and comfortable.
7. One proof of that is surprising, chocolate can also help the process of releasing glucose more effective.
8. Not all chocolate is created with the content of the same benefits. Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate is healthy, because it contains phytochemicals and nutrients. Percentage of antioxidants found in chocolate varies depending on how much chocolate has been chemically treated. Many brands of low-quality chocolate and milk chocolate products that actually there is no benefit.
9. As well as red wine, green tea, fruits, and vegetables, cocoa also contain flavonoids (polyphenols), a natural compound that functions as a powerful antioxidant. This enzyme protects the body by trapping free radical molecules and get rid of them before the damage to our bodies.
Benefits of dark chocolate for beauty
- Dark chocolate can slough off dead skin cells and skin regeneration.
- Eating foods rich in flavonoids, helps maintain collagen and fight sun damage.
- Dark chocolate is a good moisturizer.
- Dark chocolate to rejuvenate the skin.
There are still many research to do about benefits of dark chocolate for beauty because of many nutrition content. What we should remember is, dark chocolate has more benefits than processed chocolate. Because like what we have mentioned above, some of processed chocolate doesn't contains enough cocoa.
