Chocolate can be surprisingly healthy, and the darker the chocolate , the greater the benefits.
LOWERS OBESITY RISK
Researchers at the university of Copenhagen in Denmark found that dark chocolate is more filling than milk chocolate and can lower cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods. Participants in the study who ate dark chocolate went on to consume 15% fewer calories than the milk chocolate eaters after they were tempted with pizza two hours later. Researchers aren't sure why; they say they suspect that the richer cocoa taste sends a stronger signal to the brain. So savor a square before a dinner out or a celebratory event to prevent yourself from polishing off larger portions.
DECREASES INFLAMATION
You're not the only chocolate lover; your gut's bacteria gobble it up, too. They then produce anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce your long-term Rick of stroke.
ONE SQUARE IMPROVES HEART HEALTH
That's about 1/4 oz. of dark chocolate a day might lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack, according to the European Society of Cardiology. Those heart-saving benefits are mostly due to flavonols, antioxidant compounds that protect the cardiovascular system.
REDUCES ANXIETY
Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. Eating 1-1/2 ounces of dark chocolate daily can reduce stress-hormone levels, research shows. Enjoy some --- guilt-free --- after a hard day.
BOOSTS MEMORY
Flavenols in cocoa have been found to increase blood flow to the brain. The catch? You would need to eat at least seven dark chocolate bars per day to see significant benefits.
Experts recommend chocolate with at least 60% cacao to reap these benefits.
LOWERS OBESITY RISK
Researchers at the university of Copenhagen in Denmark found that dark chocolate is more filling than milk chocolate and can lower cravings for sweet, salty and fatty foods. Participants in the study who ate dark chocolate went on to consume 15% fewer calories than the milk chocolate eaters after they were tempted with pizza two hours later. Researchers aren't sure why; they say they suspect that the richer cocoa taste sends a stronger signal to the brain. So savor a square before a dinner out or a celebratory event to prevent yourself from polishing off larger portions.
DECREASES INFLAMATION
You're not the only chocolate lover; your gut's bacteria gobble it up, too. They then produce anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce your long-term Rick of stroke.
ONE SQUARE IMPROVES HEART HEALTH
That's about 1/4 oz. of dark chocolate a day might lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart attack, according to the European Society of Cardiology. Those heart-saving benefits are mostly due to flavonols, antioxidant compounds that protect the cardiovascular system.
REDUCES ANXIETY
Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food. Eating 1-1/2 ounces of dark chocolate daily can reduce stress-hormone levels, research shows. Enjoy some --- guilt-free --- after a hard day.
BOOSTS MEMORY
Flavenols in cocoa have been found to increase blood flow to the brain. The catch? You would need to eat at least seven dark chocolate bars per day to see significant benefits.
Experts recommend chocolate with at least 60% cacao to reap these benefits.
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