The health benefits of dark chocolate are derived from flavonoids which are responsible for its anti-oxidant action. Anti-oxidants rid the body of free oxygen radicals floating around and burning up the body cells. These free radicals cause aging. It contains up to 8 times as much anti-oxidant than an equivalent of strawberries. Besides the removal of anti-oxidants, flavonoids help regulate the blood pressure by the production of nitric oxide. Dark chocolate has also been observed to reduce the amount of LDL(bad) cholesterol in the body by 10%.
Of the three types of fat in dark chocolate, two do not contribute to increasing the amount of dangerous cholesterol in your body, namely; oleic and stearic acid. Daily consumption recommended is only 100 grams to get the health benefits of dark chocolate. If you eat more than that, you must pay back the excess energy by eating less off other foods.
In addition to the health benefits of dark chocolate for the cardiovascular system, the hormones endorphine, serotonin and theobromine, which are derived from the chocolate, relieve depressed states, improve the congeniality and sexuality of persons. In this sense we can call chocolate a "social" food.
Some research has even been conducted to study possible health benefits of dark chocolate of curing malarial infections. The theory is based on the fact that malarial mosquitoes feed on blood fats and cholesterol. Chocolate, which adheres to cholesterol, may weaken the parasite.
The cocoa plant is a heritage from the Aztecs. Even during those ancient times, the health benefits of dark chocolate were not only believed in but chocolate was considered the food of the gods. The Aztecs believed that the cocoa plant was a gift to mankind from their god Quetzalcoatl. The dark unsweetened chocolate beverage that both the Mayans and the Aztecs partook of was called xocoatl. They believed that the drink could bestow wisdom and power, that it was nourishing, strengthening and had aphrodisiac qualities.
Since the Aztecs did not have sugar, other ways to enhance the flavor of xocoatl were used; spices, hot chili peppers and corn meal were added for flavor.
To avail of the health benefits of dark chocolate, take it in moderation. Stuffing yourself with chocolates is not a healthy habit. In particular, sweetened chocolates produce a lot of calories that can increase the fat retention in your body. The healthiest chocolates are those which contain plenty of flavonoids. Commercially sold chocolate bars, besides being sweetened, have varying contents of these substances.
Preparing your own chocolate at home from unsweetened raw cocoa powder will be the best way for you to take advantage of the health benefits of dark chocolate. Low-fat chocolate recipes are available on the internet. Cook chocolate with just a touch of sweetness to combat its naturally bitter taste. Additionally you can use dark brown sugar, molasses, to sweeten your chocolate dish. Brown sugars are known to be healthier to use than white sugar. This way, you can maximize the health benefits of dark chocolate that you are going to get.
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