Health Benefits of Chocolate

Benefits of eating chocolate include: lowering cholesterol levels, preventing cognitive decline, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Chocolate may lower cholesterol levels

Chocolate consumption may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and CF as part of a low-fat diet may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure."

Chocolate may prevent memory decline

Two cups of hot chocolate a day may help keep the brain healthy and prevent memory decline in older people. The researchers said that hot chocolate can help preserve blood flow in working areas of the brain.

Chocolate may reduce heart disease risk

Research published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) has suggested that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one third.

Chocolate may prevent stroke
People eating chocolate were 22 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke than those who didn't. In addition, those who had a stroke but regularly consumed chocolate were 46 percent less likely to die as a result.

Recent developments on the benefits of chocolate

Teens who eat lots of chocolate tend to be slimmer. Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain found that high chocolate intake among teenagers is linked with lower levels of total fat, compared to those who do not each much chocolate, even when accounting for other factors (including exercise).

Chocolate, wine and berries may protect against type 2 diabetes. Consuming high levels of flavonoids, which is found in chocolate, tea, berries and wine, could significantly help protect against type 2 diabetes, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Chocolate could prevent obesity and diabetes. Researchers discovered that a certain antioxidant in cocoa - the main ingredient in chocolate - prevented mice from gaining weight and lowered their blood sugar levels.

Researchers found that a cocoa extract may reduce or block damage to nerve pathways found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This means that symptoms of the condition such as cognitive decline could be prevented.

Dark chocolate 'may improve walking ability for PAD patients'. Numerous studies claim that in moderation, dark chocolate is good for our health. Now, a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association adds to the evidence, suggesting that it may help increase walking distance for people with peripheral artery disease.

Risks and precautions

Chocolate has a high calorie count, containing large amounts of sugar. Therefore, if you are trying to slim down or maintain your weight, it may be a good idea to set a limit on your chocolate consumption. The large amount of sugar in most chocolates can also be a cause of tooth decay.

Chocolate may cause poor bone structure and osteoporosis.

Older women who consume chocolate daily had lower bone density and strength. One study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was carried out to identify the relationship between chocolate consumption and bone density in older women.

source :
www.medicalnewstoday.com