|
  Beyond
the milky smooth chocolate, cocoa teams with antioxidants
that prevent cancer. Comparing the chemical anti-cancer
activity in other foods known to contain antioxidants,
researchers have found that cocoa has nearly twice
the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times
those found in green tea.
Scientists have long known that cocoa contains antioxidants,
but no one knew just how plentiful they were compared
with those in red wine and green tea. Cocoa leads
the other drinks in its high content of compounds
called phenolic phytochemicals, or flavonoids, indicating
the presence of known antioxidants that can stave
off cancer, heart disease and other ailments. This
means that it can protect the heart and arteries from
oxidative damage, similar to the rust that develops
on metal over time. Dark chocolate was found to boost
blood antioxidant levels by nearly 20%.
Milk chocolate contains fewer flavonoids because
it's diluted with milk. It also contains more sugar.
White chocolate contains no chocolate liquor and therefore
no flavonoids. For optimal health benefits, eat dark
chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids
and enjoy a nice glass of anti-oxidant enriched red
wine. Check out our Wine and Chocolate page…
In addition to the above benefits, Cocoa and chocolate
can increase the level of serotonine in the brain.
Serotonine levels are often decreased in people with
depression and in those experiencing PMS symptoms.
Therefore, eating chocolate can help boost levels
of serotonine and act as a natural anti-depressant.
Finally, Cocoa beans are rich in a number of essential
minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc,
copper, potassium and manganese. Chocolate is also
enriched with vitamins such as; A, B1 B2, B3, C, E
and pantothenic acid.
So, take a bite out of life and enjoy the wonderful
health benefits that chocolate can bring.
|
