Chocolate and its reported benefits have made recent
media headlines. In fact, several different medical
studies performed by reputable universities, organizations,
and institutions note the possible benefits of eating
chocolate. The following is meant to
be a quick-reference guide to chocolate and your
health. It gives
a brief overview of research results as related by
a variety of resources and publications.
Chocolate Health Benefits
A Harvard University study found
that men who ate chocolate lived one
year longer than
those who didn’t.
Scientists think that chocolate contains chemicals
that help keep blood vessels elastic and increase
beneficial antioxidants in the bloodstream.
Contrary to popular misconception, eating
lots of chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol
levels. According to Mayo Clinic studies,
chocolate contains stearic acid, which is a neutral
fat that does not increase bad cholesterol (LDL). Also, the
cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic
acid, a mono-unsaturated fat. This is the same type
of fat found in olive oil that may actually
raise good cholesterol (HDL).
Recent studies by Mayo Clinic,
the University of California, the University of Scranton,
and Pennsylvania State University are proving that
Chocolate contains flavonoids and antioxidants. According to these studies,
chocolate is chock-full of flavonoids—naturally-occurring
compounds found in the cacao plant, as well as in red
wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Recent research
suggests that these flavonoids may have potentially beneficial
effects on cardiovascular health. They may
also act as antioxidants, which are believed to prevent
or delay certain damage to the body’s cells and
tissues
Dark
chocolate, but not white chocolate, may
improve the ability of smokers' blood vessels to
expand and contract in response to the body's
needs, Swiss researchers have found. (http://www.chocolateusa.org/)
Chocolate in pregnancy keeps babyhappy. The
babies born to women who had been eating chocolate
daily during pregnancy were more active and "positively
reactive" - a measure that encompasses traits
such as smiling and laughter. (http://www.chocolate.org/health/happybaby.html)
Studies have shown that small portions of dark chocolate can
improve blood vessel flow, especially in
older adults, and may improve blood sugar
and insulin sensitivity to help reduce the risk of
diabetes.
One study, published in the journal Hypertension, reported
that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate could help
reduce high blood pressure.
In another study, reported in The Journal of the American
Medical Association, researchers found that the flavonoids
in dark chocolate helped prevent stiffening
of blood vessels in adults over 50.
Research conducted at the University of Rhode Island
suggests chocolate milk may have benefits for
individuals who are lactose intolerant. Research
reveals that lactose intolerant individuals who consumed
chocolate milk showed significant reductions in their
symptoms
Cocoa butter is a natural antioxidant that
clears and smoothes the skin. It is frequently
used for treating dry skin and stretch marks.
Cocoa butter is a natural source of vitamin
E as well as a beneficial treatment for
chapped hands, feet, lips, pregnant skin and other
skin irritations. Cocoa butter contains no
petroleum, preservatives or harsh chemicals. It is
from the Theobroma cacao tree.
Cocoa butter is is a delicious and nourishing butter
that will keep skin extremely supple, moisturized and
revitalized thus cocoa Butter is a great ingredient
for soap making. Cocoa butter is one of
the most stable fats known and contains high
concentrations of the anti-aging polyphenol
antioxidants that help to alleviate the signs
of aging. It is solid at room temperature, but melts
at about 76-78 degrees. It melts in contact
with the skin, or when placed in a tub of hot water.
It makes a wonderful addition to body balms and bath
products because of its smooth texture and is a nice
massage medium too. Cocoa butter is often
recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as
eczema and dermatitis. It helps to heal/prevent scar
tissue and stretch marks as it improves skin elasticity.
In addition, cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol
(CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of
the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate
symptoms of dermatitis and asthma. Recent research
suggests that massaging the skin with cocoa butter
may help relieve stress, boost the immune system,
and even prevent cancer. This
is because of CMP prevalent in cocoa butter in large
quantities.
Researchers in Japan reported
that CMP inhibits the growth of cancerous cells
and tumors by reducing active oxygen levels
in the body, and concluded that CMP inhibits the oxidation
of LDL (good) cholesterol and the production of inflammatory
cells. Preliminary research indicates that CMP actually
helps suppress excessive T-cell activity in the immune
system, which could help treat skin conditions associated
with overactive immune systems, such as psoriasis.
Research indicates that chocolate may be effective
at preventing persistent coughing. The
ingredient theobromine was found to be almost 1/3 more
effective than codeine, the leading cough medicine.
Drinking a cup of hot cocoa provides protection
from the sun and natural elements, and helps
to looking younger.
Researchers from the Heinrich Heine
University in Dusseldorf, Germany, found that women
who drank an antioxidant-rich brand of hot cocoa for
three months developed smoother, better-hydrated skin
that was less
vulnerable to sunburn. The improvements may
stem from the cocoa's high levels of antioxidants called
flavonols. (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,162783,00.html)
Part of the pleasure of eating chocolate is ascribed
to the fact that its melting point is slightly below
human body temperature; it melts in the mouth. Chocolate
intake has been linked with release of serotonin in
the brain, which is thought to produce feelings
of pleasure. (http://chocolate.pentiumhead.com/content/view/713/28/)
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