The Valentine’s week has already started and the third day of this week full of love is marked by Chocolate Day. Chocolate has a long association with love and science also states a fact that chocolate creates feelings similar to being in love; tryptophan, the chemical responsible for releasing serotonin, is one of the primary ingredients in chocolate.
Though it is been liked by many people at the same time, it shares a bad reputation for causing problems such as obesity. The adverse facts are known to everyone but what people don’t know are the healthy facts that revolve around chocolate.
If your loved ones are so much conscious about their health, we will give you all the health benefits of chocolate that will leave them wanting for more this valentine.
What chocolate contains?
Chocolate is made from tropical Theobroma cacao tree seeds.
Chocolate has nutrients such as riboflavin, vitamin B12, manganese, zinc and phosphorus. It’s also a good source of minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron. Dark chocolate is also an excellent source of antioxidants.
Healthy facts about chocolate
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Lowers cholesterol level
A study has revealed that chocolate helps to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) that is also termed as bad cholesterol in the body.
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Better functioning of cognition
Researchers have found that chocolate helps to improve blood flow in parts of the brain and a research study also said that two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people. So by eating chocolate at least once a week, cognitive function improves.
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Reduce risk of heart disease
A report suggests that eating chocolates can reduce one-third risk of having heart disease. The study also states that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders.
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Reduce risk of stroke
Eating 100gms of chocolate every day can reduce the risk of stroke reveals a study. Around 22 per cent of stroke cases were resolved by eating chocolate.
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Improves low blood pressure
flavanols in dark chocolate generate Nitric oxide that helps to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.
Cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild.
While looking at the brighter side i.e the health benefits, also do remember that excessive eating of chocolates can lead to health issues. It is recommended to eat chocolates with a higher percentage of cocoa and dark chocolates have a higher concentration of cocoa.
