How to Maximize the Health Benefits of Chocolate

Member

By Elander Guthrie
eHow Community Member

Article Rating:

(4 Ratings)

Recent studies have shown that chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is actually beneficial for your health. This is, in part, due to the high antioxidant content and high concentration of other beneficial compounds such as flavonoids. There are a number of ways that you can enjoy the health benefits of chocolate without risking undoing them with the extra calories.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Dark Chocolate

Step 1

Eat a bit of dark chocolate every night to naturally lower blood pressure. Recent research has found that 100g of very dark chocolate eaten daily lowered blood pressure an average of five points for systolic and 2 points for diastolic.
Step 2

The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been seen as beneficial in supporting the circulatory system, possibly due to the high flavonoid and polyphenol content. The same study that monitored the lower blood pressure also recorded a rise in beneficial cholesterol, a drop in triglycerides, and improved blood circulation.
Step 3

The main benefit of antioxidants that scientists have seen is the elimination of free radicals. The antioxidants in dark chocolate help clean up free radicals and cellular debris in the body, which is thought to lead to cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.
Step 4

Dark chocolate contains natural mood elevators that help the body produce endorphins, improving mood and fighting depression. There is a reason why many people naturally reach for chocolate when feeling sad. The health benefits of chocolate are not limited to just physical health; they extend to mental health as well.