11Mar
All Good… The Benefits of Chocolate
- Chocolate which is high in cocoa solids (70% or more) is now recognized as having many qualities that are beneficial to health,
- Real chocolate, containing at least 70% cocoa solids for plain chocolate, has much less sugar than the typical mass produced product.
- Chocolate contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A. B1, C, D, and E.
- Cocoa is also the highest natural source for Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is linked with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
- The fat in high quality plain chocolate (although technically a ‘saturated fat’) can be considered cholesterol free as it does not clog up the arteries or contribute to high cholesterol levels.
- Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay. Of course, this is counteracted by the high sugar content of milk chocolate.
- The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
- Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
- The flavonoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
- Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
