Health Advantages of Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is a vegetable, therefore it is good for you. Well, maybe not quite accurate, but there are some true health benefits of dark chocolate.

* Full of antioxidants: Because chocolate is so good, we tend to forget that it comes from a plant. Plants naturally produce antioxidants to help protect them from harsh growing conditions. Two tablespoons of natural cocoa have more antioxidant capabilities than 4 cups of green tea, 1 cup of blueberries, and one and a half glasses of red wine.

* Helps maintain blood sugar levels: Despite its sweetness, dark chocolate is low on the glycemic index, which means eating it won’t make your blood sugar spike like other sweet foods. Studies show that the flavanols in cocoa actually help improve circulation and keep blood vessels healthy.

* Contains vital minerals: Copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron are all present in dark chocolate. Each of these minerals is necessary for optimum health.

* Good for your heart: Studies are showing that dark chocolate is very beneficial for good heart health. The powerful antioxidants and flavanols help to relax and open the arteries allowing for good blood flow to the heart.

* Cancer fighting: Recent studies are showing cocoa as a cancer fighting food.

* Memory booster: Further research is showing that the flavanols in cocoa are also good for boosting the memory and brain function in rats. Studies on humans have yet to be done.

* Immune system control: Flavanols found in cocoa have been shown to help control the immune system and protect the body against disease like arthritis.

Several myths have surrounded chocolate regarding its effect on health. Here are the facts:

* Myth: Chocolate causes acne. Fact: Studies dating back to the 1960’s show that eating chocolate does not cause acne. As a matter of fact, science shows there is no direct link between acne and diet.

* Myth: Allergies to chocolate are common. Fact: Chocolate is not a common food allergen. People who have food allergies are probably allergic to one of the other ingredients possibly found in chocolate such as tree nuts, milk, eggs, peanuts or soy.

* Myth: Chocolate contains a lot of caffeine. Fact: Milk chocolate contains about as much caffeine as decaffeinated coffee. However, chocolate does contain theobromine, a relative of caffeine, but it is much less powerful than caffeine.

* Myth: Chocolate causes migraines. Fact: No correlation between migraines and chocolate has ever been found.

* Myth: People crave chocolate. Fact: Chocolate cravings are basically a need to feel pleasure. Since eating chocolate provides momentary pleasure, people think they crave it. However, there is no evidence to support a true biological craving for chocolate.

* Myth: Chocolate causes tooth decay. Fact: Dentists are discovering that tooth decay is most likely caused by the length of time food is left on the teeth, not by the foods eaten. Sticky foods like crackers, cookies or dried fruit cause more tooth decay than sugary foods. As a matter of fact, because chocolate contains powerful antioxidants, it may slow the buildup of plaque.
 

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