September 25, 2001 – There is some news that really makes you happy: chocolate is good for you. It contains flavonoids that are beneficial to the bloodstream, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. These are the findings of a small study from the University of California at Davis, presented recently at the annual conference of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and sponsored by candy maker Mars.
For the purposes of this research devoted to the effects of chocolate on blood coagulation, about twenty volunteers had to eat either 25 grams of chocolate with a high flavonoid content, or bread. After analyzing blood samples from all participants, the researchers found a decrease in blood platelet aggregation (a risk factor for clot formation) in those who ate chocolate.
As we can see, it is not necessary to consume a large amount of chocolate (too bad!) To enjoy its benefits. A small 40g bar of milk chocolate can contain 300 mg of flavonoids, which is as much as a glass of red wine or as five servings of fruits and vegetables. But dark chocolate is greatly superior to it: it contains almost twice as many flavonoids as milk chocolate. It should be noted that the flavonoids in cocoa (which chocolate is made from) are very powerful antioxidants that can help slow down the damage caused by free radicals, which are the cause of aging and cancer. 1
Because it contains a large amount of fat and is often added a lot of sugar, chocolate should however be consumed in moderation. To supplement the intake of antioxidants, it is recommended to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grain cereals instead. Finally, chocolate is not recommended for diabetics, obese people, nervous people, prone to migraine or ulcers as well as those who produce cholesterol.
The therapeutic use of cocoa has long been known in South America. The Aztecs called it “the food of the gods”. They used it to gain weight, improve digestion and bowel movement as well as “invigorate the nervous system of apathetic people.”1. It is very interesting that recent scientific research is making us rediscover the benefits of chocolate. What is even more is that they now give us the happiness to eat it without guilt.
HealthPassport.net
According to Reuters, September 4, 2001.
1. Lee Roberta, J. Balick Michael. Chocolate: Healing ‘Food of the gods’?. Alternative Therapies, Sept. Oct. 2001, vol. 7. no.5.
