Recently, the health benefits of dark chocolate have been discovered. While dark chocolates have many useful qualities, they must be consumed in moderation as the fact remains that it has high fat content.
Here are some potential health benefits of dark chocolates:
- Good for the heart: Studies have revealed that your blood pressure will be lowered if you consume dark chocolates 2 or 3 times a week. The blood flow is improved and formation of blood clots is prevented. Arteriosclerosis (artery hardening) may be prevented by eating dark chocolates. All this contributes to the health of the heart.Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from harmful chemicals called as free radicals when food is broken down by body or is exposed to smoke or sunlight. Free radicals also cause cell damage that lead to heart disease. Thus, flavonoids which counter free radicals help to keep the heart healthy.
- Good for brain: Dark chocolate enhances blood flow to the heart and brain, and therefore improves cognitive function. It also helps reduce risk of stroke. There are several compounds in dark chocolate, which improve your mood and cognitive health. It contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA), which induces the brain to release endorphins that create a happy mood. It contains a small amount of caffeine, which is a mild stimulant. It also contains serotonin, which is an anti-depressant compound.
- Anti-cancer and anti-aging: Cancer as well as aging is caused by free radicals present in the body. Flavonoids combat free radicals and thus prevent or impeded cancer in the body. It also prevents faster aging.
- Work of theobromine: Theobromine found in dark chocolate has been found to strengthen the enamel of teeth. Thus, dark chocolate is unique among sweets as it helps prevent cavities provided you also follow good dental hygiene. Theobromine has also mild stimulant properties, though lesser than caffeine and can be used to treat cough.
- Vitamins and minerals: Dark chocolates contain many minerals and vitamins. Some of these available in high concentration are: Copper, Potassium, Iron, and Magnesium. Potassium and copper help prevent cardio-vascular disease and stroke. Iron prevents anemia due to iron deficiency. Magnesium combats type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Protects skin: According to German researchers, flavonoids in dark chocolate aid in absorption of UV light. It helps enhance blood flow to skin and protects it, improving the complexion and hydration of skin.
Anti-chocolate lobby point out that chocolate is full of sugar, caffeine and fats. It is a fact that cocoa butter, the main fats in chocolate, consists of both saturated and unsaturated fats but most of this is in the form of stearic and oleic acids. Food rich in these acids have been shown to cause a decline in blood pressure. Thus, only 25% of fats in chocolate are of the bad kind and remaining 75% are of the healthy kind. Dark chocolate, particularly with less cocoa butter contains healthy anti-oxidant packed cocoa. Regarding sugar, a dark chocolate bar has less sugar than orange juice, yogurt or cranberry-grape juice. Caffeine content is also minimal.
So, if you want to send wishes for good health to a friend or loved one, you can send chocolate gift hampers by post with the help of online gift stores.
