Most of us already know February is National Chocolate Lover's Month / but did you know our calendar also celebrates more than 30 other chocolate related Holidays? Yep! It is so obvious we love chocolate all over the world. Because of that... I felt the need to post the benefits of Dark Chocolate for all to see~
January 27: National Chocolate Cake Day / List of Cake Holidays /
February 1: National Dark Chocolate Day
February 5: National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 28: National Chocolate Souffle Day
May 15: National Chocolate Day
July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
September 22: National White Chocolate Day
October 28: National Chocolate Day
February 28: National Chocolate Souffle Day
May 15: National Chocolate Day
July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
September 22: National White Chocolate Day
October 28: National Chocolate Day
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The benefits of Dark Chocolate are
- Dark chocolate contains more flavanols and polyphenols (Catechins) than fruit juice. These antioxidants could prevent heart diseases and cancer. Cacao seeds are a 'Super Fruit' providing nutritive value beyond that of their macronutrient composition.
- By acting as a deoxidizing agent, the phenols prevent clogging of arteries, thus averting heart attacks. Flavonoids are the same chemicals found in red wine, which has also been found to lower LDL cholesterol (low density lipoproteins, “bad” cholesterol) levels as well as exert a protective effect against coronary Heart Disease. In addition to this, one-third of the fat content found in chocolate is in the form of stearic acid. Although it is a saturated fat, stearic acid exerts a neutral effect on cholesterol levels; that is, while it does not appear to raise cholesterol levels in some studies, it does not appear to lower them either.
- For people with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce blood pressure.
- Researchers have discovered that a dose of dark chocolate daily could protect patients from complications associated with cirrhosis of the liver. Liver cirrhosis increases the risk of bleeding from too much pressure in the veins that supply the organ with nutrients. Dark chocolate could protect from rupture of blood vessels that occurs from portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the liver).
- Research shows that the cocoa butter in the chocolate coats the teeth and may help protect them by preventing plaque from forming. It helps thwart mouth bacteria and stop dental decay.
- Chocolate may reduce Risk of Stroke.
- Contains resveratrol.
- Cocoa flavanols boost memory and cognitive function by improving insulin sensitivity.
- Cough : Theobromine, nutrient found in chocolate helps curb coughing by relaxing the nerve that triggers coughs.
- Tooth Decay : Researchers found that teeth treated with theobromine lose about 10 percent less calcium than teeth treated with fluoride when exposed to acids.
Special Precautions of Dark Chocolate
- Acrylamide : Cocoa beans are roasted to develop the characteristic chocolate flavor. During the roasting process, however, they are prone to developing high amounts of acrylamide.
- Eating too much of chocolate may cause health problems. The cocoa butter in chocolate does contain saturated fat, which can increase blood cholesterol levels, and high cholesterol may contribute to heart disease. Chocolate is high in calories and eating too much therefore make you fat, increasing your risk of heart disease. Over eating of chocolate can also lead to obesity.
- People prone to forming calcium oxalate stones (Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)) may be asked by their doctor to limit or avoid certain foods if their urine contains an excess of oxalate: rhubarb, spinach, beets, swiss chard, wheat germ, soybean crackers, peanuts, okra, chocolate, black Indian tea, sweet potatoes.
- Despite the benefits that chocolate may have, it shouldn’t be an excuse to consume it at every meal! Chocolate should be consumed only in moderation, preferably in accompaniment with a healthy diet. It should also not be used to replace the other healthy sources of flavonoids in your diet, such as grapes and blueberries.
