Posted on January 24, 2010.
While dark chocolate is healthy - now pigs fly? Ask 20 people their reaction to the word "chocolate" and you'll probably get these answers ... yummm, awesome, contentment, relaxation, delicious, soothing ... but healthy?
Chocolate is a treat, a candy, an indulgence that for centuries has been appreciated worldwide. Chocolate can quiet a crying child, impress a romantic interest, and comfort in a relaxing ... but healthy? Oh yes ... so it seems!
Recently, there has been much publicity about the cardiovascular benefits of antioxidants found in red wine and green tea.
A recent study by scientists at Cornell University found that cocoa powder, the base from which chocolate is made, contains nearly twice the antioxidants in red wine and three times the antioxidants present in green tea.
It is now known as raw cocoa, from the cocoa fruit, contains over 300 chemically identifiable compounds, making it one of the most complex food sources on the planet. In addition, it was established that the raw cocoa is the highest antioxidant value of all natural foods in the world!
fresh cocoa is super-rich in antioxidants called flavonoids strong (up to 10% concentration per unit mass of cacao). These flavonoids have been clinically proven to help maintain a healthy blood flow and stabilize blood pressure. They also help keep the fats in the blood from congealing together, thereby reducing the risk of oxidation and clogging of arteries.
Flavonoids are also known to help keep blood platelets from sticking together ... a condition that can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, stroke.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate helps to naturally neutralize "free radicals" of molecules in the body. Free radicals, if left unchecked, can damage the basic structure of healthy cells making them vulnerable to disease.
Free radicals can also alter the structure of the DNA of the cell, which is the plane of a cell to reproduce and reproduce. DNA damage can lead to malignant tumors, tumors and cancer.
Health dark chocolate as a nutritional supplement is not just all about antioxidants.
Cocoa is a good source of minerals sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese, and certain important B vitamins.
Among these minerals, magnesium is by far the most important. Proper levels of magnesium in the body are essential for a healthy heart and to ensure its strength and vigor.
Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and heart beat. It also decreases blood clotting leading to lower blood pressure.
Magnesium deficiency can affect health to achieve, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and PMT.
Just as antioxidants, organic dark chocolate is the highest rated natural food supply this heart healthy essential mineral.
Another mineral with a high concentration of cocoa is sulfur. Soufre promotes healthy skin, helps build strong nails and healthy hair, helps detoxify the liver, and supports healthy functioning of the pancreas.
Organic Dark Chocolate also offers additional benefits for the brain.
Cocoa is an important source for amino acids that make the neurotransmitter called serotonin and dopamine. These two agents help alleviate depression and stimulate a sense of well-being.
Phenylethylanmine (PEA) controls our ability to focus attention and vigilance. It has also been indicated as a key element in maintaining vigilance and fight against the onset of dementia.
Another chemical compound found in healthy dark chocolate healthy 2% - 3% by mass, is "theobromine.
The health promotion component.