Antioxidants in Chocolates and Health Benefits of Chocolates
Chocolates contain high levels of antioxidants like coffee and tea (but not as much), it also makes you feel in love because it triggers the release of dopamine (a chemical released by the brain which is responsible for pleasure). Eating chocolates has many health benefits when consumed moderately. Everthing taken in excess is not healthy, if I may add. Eating chocolates in huge quantities may not also be healthy because chocolates contain fat, calories and sugar.
However, when consumed moderately, research shows that “Dark chocolate, the richer in cocoa the better, is not only a to-die-for treat, it’s actually good for you. And just 1 oz of a very special Chocolate packs more than twice the healthy antioxidant punch of red wine or other dark chocolates.”
In addition,
“Cocoa is rich in antioxidant flavonoids called flavanols, which include procyanidins, epicatechins, and catechins,” explains Harold Schmitz, PhD, director of science at Mars, Inc. Studies have shown that people with high blood levels of flavonoids have lower risk of heart disease, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, and type 2 diabetes.
Several studies in animals and humans have shown the heart-healthy effects of chocolate’s antioxidants. One of these studies, led by Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, distinguished professor of nutrition at Penn State University, found that people who ate a diet rich in cocoa powder and dark chocolate had lower oxidation levels of bad LDL cholesterol, higher blood antioxidant levels, and 4 percent higher levels of good HDL cholesterol.
If you have a “sweet tooth”, it’s most likely that you’re packing on health. Like I said, eating chocolates has health benefits because of high antioxidants in chocolates. On the other hand, if you eat too much, some health risks could also be on your way.
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Tags: Antioxidants in Chocolates and Cocoa, antioxidants of coffee and tea, Health Benefits of Chocolates, health tips
Hmm, great info Kuya. NGaun ko lang nalaman to ah. Gumana na naman ung pagka-researcher mo, hehehe!
Lainy’s last blog post..Stages in a Love Relationship (Part 1) - Uncle Che and Baby Noela
[Reply]
jessie reply on November 23rd, 2008:
Ellaine,
Oo nga eh. Hindi ko maalis ang pagiging researcher even in blogging. Hehehe. Just got back online. Napuputol internet dito sa min. Malakas ang hangin eh.
jessie’s last blog post..Men and Women Joke: Name Calling
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Kaya nga isa sa mga fave ko ang chocolate eh, yun nga lang laging sobra sa dapat kinakain ko hahaha.
[Reply]
Fren,
Ako rin i love chocolates but the problem is I work too much kaya hindi ako tumataba. Gusto ko nga sanang magdagdag ng weight eh. lol!
jessie’s last blog post..Complete List of LET Passers (September 2008) Secondary Education
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