Health Benefits of Chocolate

Researchers have discovered great news for chocolate lovers. Eating moderate amounts of chocolate on a daily basis can actually help keep blood pressure down and improve cardiovascular health.

In a study presented in February 2002 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, it was found that eating flavonoid-rich foods improves heart health and helps lower blood pressure. Flavanoids are plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Chocolate contains this flavonol. In fact, researchers even found that consumption of chocolate products is similar to consumption of low-dose aspirin in promoting healthy blood flow. (Patti Schmidt ImmuneSupport.com)

Here are some interesting facts about chocolate which are still being researched:

* Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.
* The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.
* Chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine, a mild mood elevator.
* The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.
* Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.
* Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.
* The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.
* Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.
* Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.
* The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

© Marguerite Bonneville, Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)