Unveiling the Dark Secret
Unveiling the Dark Secret
Unveiling the Dark Secret
If you were told you could indulge in chocolate regularly and doing so would be good for your heart, how would you feel?
Of course, you'd have a reason to celebrate, and rightfully so. Research has revealed that chocolates can actually help in protecting the heart against different types of diseases. Having a small amount of chocolate, that is, a 1.6-ounce bar, can be very good for your health. In fact, "It would be very good for you", says Mary Engler, PhD, RN, University of California, San Francisco.
While there are too many reasons to love chocolates, the fact is that commercially produced varieties are fattening, which is why people avoid taking them in the first place. But on the brighter side, chocolates, and particularly dark chocolates, are the powerhouse of goodness as well.
Dark chocolates are considered to be one of the best foods for the heart, according to Engler's research team. Dark chocolates are very rich in cocoa, and they contain generous amounts of epicatechin an essential ingredient that is abundantly found in cocoa.
Epicatechin has been identified as an active member of the group of compounds known as plant flavonoids. Flavonoids are beneficial, as they prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood clots and lowering the immune response that could possibly lead to clogged arteries. Flavonoids are present in plants that help prevent the accumulation of environmental toxins and also enable damage repair. As we eat plant-based foods that contain large amounts of flavonoids, we benefit from the antioxidant properties they contain. Antioxidants help the body to resist cell damage caused by free radicals.
When the human body lacks the required amount of antioxidants, it tends to become more vulnerable to the damage caused by free radicals, which, in turn, increase the LDL cholesterol and the formation of plaques on the arterial walls.
Flavonoids (such as Flavanols) are abundantly found in chocolate and cocoa. Besides being antioxidants, research clarifies that Flavanols have some positive effects on vascular health as well. They help in lowering the blood pressure levels, improve the flow of blood to the heart and brain, enable clot formation, and prevent the sticky formation of blood platelets and also significantly lower cholesterol levels.
Cocoa has a general strong and pungent taste, which is derived from flavanols. It is processed to create your favorite taste of chocolate, which actually reduces the quantity of flavanols in them. The more it is processed, the more flavanols you lose.
For this reason, the best types of chocolates for a healthy heart are the dark chocolates that are less processed and more natural in taste. Also, as the importance of flavanols is being studied and made clear to the common man, chocolate companies are emphasizing on making chocolates that retain at least 95% of flavonoids.
Bottom line, "Many people don't realize that chocolate is plant-derived, as are the fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy heart," says Engler.
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