It is widely known that fruit contains antioxidants which may be beneficial to health. New research published in the open access journal Chemistry Central Journal demonstrates that chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and contains more polyphenols and flavanols than fruit juice.
When researchers at the Hershey Center for Health & Nutrition™ compared the antioxidant activity in cocoa powder and fruit powders they found that, gram per gram, there was more antioxidant capacity, and a greater total flavanol content, in the cocoa powder.
Similarly when they compared the amount of antioxidants, per serving, of dark chocolate, cocoa, hot chocolate mix and fruit juices they found that both dark chocolate and cocoa had a greater antioxidant capacity and a greater total flavanol, and polyphenol, content than the fruit juices. However hot chocolate, due to processing (alkalization) of the chocolate, contained little of any.
Dr Debra Miller, the senior author of the paper, says that, "Cacao seeds are a "Super Fruit" providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition". Which is great news for chocolate lovers.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215817.phpI wonder what kind of processing a candy bar goes through? I've never been a chocolate lover, but as I've gotten older, I do appreciate it every now and then. I always feel so guilty when I eat it, just figured it had zero to offer me. This is great!
This is some of the best news every......love chocolate and just had some dark choco. today after I took a Cipro for this sinus infection. LindyI know it improves my frame of mind...makes me a little happier.Health Benefits of Chocolate
Heart Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:
- Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
- Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
Other Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:
- it tastes good
- it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure
- it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant
- it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants
To read more:
Ronald Errol,
What good is life if life is nothing but anger and hatred? You post as ronbn56 and EGBROWN and Errol Johnson. Your posts are anger and hatred and filth. So you go right ahead and eat your rightous food that apparently contributes to your anger, hatred and mental health issues. I mean, we all want to eat our way to your hate filled state. Not.
LEV
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com