The Surprising Health Benefits of Chocolate Candies
Dark chocolate can be an excellent addition to a healthy diet, provided it is enjoyed in moderation. As a snack, just one ounce a day of high cocoa cocoa chocolate can help you reap the health benefits of this delicious treat.
A tester raved about this bar's mellow, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It boasts a 70% cocoa count and is Fairtrade-certified from chocolate farms in Ghana.
Lowers Cholesterol
Chocolate can be a source of healthy fats, which help lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol. It can also increase the amount of HDL or "good" cholesterol in your bloodstream. A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" found that when a group of 48 overweight people ate two squares of dark chocolate a day, along with crunchy nuts, they had significantly reduced levels of "bad" cholesterol.
It's important to choose the right kind of chocolate for your heart health, though. The type that has a higher cocoa content is better, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It contains flavanols, which help lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and improving blood flow. The nitric oxide that's produced by eating flavanol-rich foods, including dark chocolate, can also help reduce your stress level and improve your mood.
However, be aware that dark chocolate can also contain stimulants like caffeine, which can raise your blood pressure if consumed in large amounts. You should avoid it if you're already taking medication for high blood pressure.
Another potential benefit of consuming flavanol-rich chocolate is that it can help protect your skin from sun damage. Studies have shown that the plant chemical in cocoa, known as theobromine, can lower the amount of UVB rays that cause your skin to burn and develop sun spots.
If you are going to consume dark chocolate, experts recommend sticking with about an ounce a day. "That's a safe and reasonable amount," says Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist, healthy cooking expert, and wellness thought leader. Consumer Reports tested 100 dark chocolate bars and found that only 23 contained more than a recommended level of lead or cadmium.
Fights Inflammation
Chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, which are plant chemicals that help fight inflammation and may also help prevent cancer. The antioxidants found in dark chocolate come from cocoa beans, and they include flavonoids. According to a study, these flavonoids help fight the effects of chronic inflammation on blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate stimulate the body to produce nitric oxide, a chemical that causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure, Medical News Today reports. The same flavonoids also prevent white blood cells from sticking to artery walls, which can lead to blockages.
Inflammation is a natural part of the immune system, but it can become chronic and cause health issues like high cholesterol levels, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Research suggests that the flavonoids in dark chocolate, including epicatechin and methylxanthines, help balance the immune system and prevent these harmful effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Dark chocolate is a good source of fiber, which helps improve digestion and may reduce the risk of constipation and colon cancer. It's also high in magnesium, which can help lower blood pressure and triglycerides. It's important to remember that chocolate is high in fat and calories, so it's best to eat it in moderation.
In addition to fighting inflammation, the flavonoids in dark chocolate may protect against diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. A study revealed that individuals with type 2 diabetes who incorporated dark chocolate into their diet were able to lower their glycemic index. Furthermore, participants experienced a decrease in fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels, as indicated by the study. Consider exploring dark chocolate options, possibly from Candy Club, and make sure to utilize a Candy Club coupon for potential savings on your treat.
Boosts Energy Levels
Dark chocolate has a natural energy-boosting effect, thanks to its sugar. Your body quickly absorbs these simple sugars and turns them into glucose, which is your cells’ preferred fuel. It also contains theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine that stimulates the central nervous system. The combination may help combat fatigue and boost alertness, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Another source of energy from chocolate comes from flavonoids, particularly phenolic acid, which increases blood flow to the brain. This helps improve cognitive function, including memory and focus. It also helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Research has shown that regular chocolate consumption can decrease the levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation. This may help reduce your risk of heart disease, a condition that includes a buildup of fats in the arteries and can also lead to stroke and other heart-related problems.
The heart-healthy flavonols found in chocolate can also help increase nitric oxide production, which can relax and widen the blood vessels, thus reducing your risk of a cardiovascular event. Chocolate can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
A small amount of quality dark chocolate is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth, increase your intake of antioxidants, and get some energy-boosting nutrients. Choose chocolate with a high cocoa/cocoa solids content to reap the benefits, and remember to check the calories, fat, and sugar contents. Some dark chocolate may contain dairy, so those with milk allergies or GERD should avoid it.
Improves Memory
Dark chocolate is a delicious treat for your taste buds, but moderate amounts can also boost your memory. Its cocoa flavonoids improve your reaction time, visual-spatial awareness, and memory by increasing blood flow to the brain. It may also help prevent neurodegenerative diseases that cause your memory to decline. Moreover, the Epicatechin in dark chocolate balances your immune system and reduces oxidative stress, an imbalance between your cells and free radicals. This prevents diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic problems.
Two new studies presented this week at the Experimental Biology 2018 annual meeting in San Diego suggest that chocolate with a high concentration of cacao has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory, and immunity. The research, led by Lee Berk, associate dean of research affairs at Loma Linda University Health, used 48-gram bars made from 70% cacao and 30% organic cane sugar to feed one group of healthy young adults. The researchers monitored participants’ brain waves with electroencephalography before and after they ate the chocolate. They found that the consumption of dark chocolate caused an increase in gamma frequencies, which are associated with cognitive processing and memory.
In another study, the same scientists fed dark chocolate to rats while observing changes in their hippocampal CA1 area of the brain. The results showed that the higher the percentage of flavanols in the dark chocolate, the more effective it was at increasing the potency and plasticity of the synapses.
These are just some of the surprising benefits of chocolate. However, it is important to note that not all types of chocolate are created equal. To reap the best benefits, choose chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids and avoid those that contain too much sugar. Additionally, check the label for heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, as these can be toxic if consumed regularly. When selecting your chocolate, consider exploring options from Candy Club, and make sure to utilize a Food & Drinks Coupon Code for potential savings on your preferred choices.
Strengthens the Heart
When you hear the term heart-healthy food, sweets may not be at the top of your list. But if you choose wisely, this indulgent treat can boost your health in many ways. Dark chocolate is especially good for the heart, as it contains disease-fighting antioxidants.
The flavonols in chocolate help improve blood flow to the brain and heart, reducing stress levels and decreasing the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular problems. It also helps lower blood pressure, thanks to the chemical compound nitric oxide. This can prevent artery walls from clumping together, a common cause of blockages and heart attacks.
Another heart-healthy nutrient found in chocolate is magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure and relax muscles and nerves. A 1.5-ounce bar of dark chocolate can provide 15 percent of your daily requirement for this mineral.
Finally, polyphenols in cocoa beans and chocolate are powerful antioxidants that help protect your body from harmful free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells and lead to oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of cancer, according to research. Polyphenols also improve cognitive function and help boost oxygen delivery during exercise.
When you’re shopping for chocolate, look for the darkest variety with the highest percentage of cacao. This will contain more beneficial flavonoids and less sugar. The calorie count will be a bit higher than milk or white chocolate, but you’ll still want to consume it in moderation. When you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, consuming too much of anything can outweigh the benefits. Talk to your doctor before making dietary changes. They can tell you how much dark chocolate to eat and give you other diet tips that will keep you on track.
Conclusion
Dark chocolate and other candies can provide surprising health benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can improve heart health, while candies like gummies and lollipops can help alleviate stress and boost mood. However, it's important to consume these treats in moderation and choose options with lower sugar content. So go ahead and indulge in some sweet treats, but make sure to prioritize overall health and wellness.
