Chocolate Health Benefits

Chocolate is a complex food with over 300 compounds and substances in every bite.Cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate improve vision and cognitive function. Scientists from the University of Reading found clear improvements in visual function and enhance some cognitive brain functions in two and half hours after the intake of foods with high content of cocoa flavanols.

Earlier studies have shown that consumption improves markers of hemodynamics of the blood and increases both central and peripheral blood flow – an important factor in brain function and essential for the heart and vision.

An independent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, examined the effects of cocoa flavanols on cognitive functions in mental fatigue. Scientists found that people who consume CF showed significant improvements in all cognitive tests performed and their mental fatigue significantly weakened after consuming a drink containing 520 mg of cocoa flavanols.

At 1.5 g dark chocolate (one tablet) contains polyphenols such as in a glass of red wine. These substances help to lower the risk of heart disease, reduce the tendency to clot formation and prolong clotting time.

Studies show that people who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who abstain.

Studies confirm that chocolate is a good source of antioxidants as found in tea. The content of antioxidants in chocolate is four times more than tea.

The flavonoids in cocoa regulate immune function by decreasing production of cytokines, which reduces susceptibility to infection and inflammation.

The researchers concluded that pure chocolate not lead to the formation of acne.

Polyphenols in chocolate inhibit growth of bacteria in the mouth.

Theobromine in chocolate triggers the release of endorphins – chemicals produced by the brain that act as a natural antidepressant. Alkaloid inhibits the activity of the vagal nerve and relieves persistent dry cough. Theobromine is almost 3 times more potent antitussive effect of codeine and unlike opioid anti-cough funds does not result in adverse effects on the central nervous system and respiratory center depression and drowsiness.

Researchers from Georgetown University in Washington, found that when cells in breast cancer were treated with chocolate flavanols, they cease to divide.

Study of the University of Nottingham, linked to brain imaging, found that flavanols increase blood flow to the brain.

Patients who consumed 45 grams of dark chocolate daily for eight weeks, is observed at lower levels of fatigue compared with placebo-fed. Researchers believe that chocolate helps the natural neurotransmitters regulate mood and sleep.

Babies whose mothers ate chocolate during pregnancy are more relaxed and happier than babies whose mothers rarely turn to sweet temptation. In a study at the University of Helsinki, Finland, 300 women participated. Babies of mothers who ate chocolate, smile more and be less afraid in new situations.

According to a recent Italian study, moderate amounts of dark chocolate can significantly reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). If increased consumption, the benefits are lost, like the effect of wine. If you take too much chocolate, elevated lipids and calories and reduce the effect of antioxidants.

In moderate amounts (less than 100 g daily), black (natural) chocolate has beneficial effects on the body.