The dark chocolate is good for health

1. It helps with depression

Chocolate contains a variety of substances that influence mood:

• Theobromine. He energizes and helps to lower blood pressure. However, the surge of energy can be followed by fatigue, so some people call chocolate a dangerous addictive substance.
• Anandamide. By structure, it is similar to that contained in the hemp tetrahydrocannabinol, but acts softer. It improves mood and invigorates without causing addiction and without harming the heart and blood vessels, as opposed to other stimulants.
• Phenylethylamine. In the body it is converted into serotonin - one of the most important chemicals that regulate mood.

2. It protects against heart disease

Regular cocoa consumption helps to fight diseases of the cardiovascular systemCocoa, chocolate and cardiovascular disease.. This confirms conducted in 2006 a study, during which 470 participants have used different amounts of cocoa a day. Scientists have discovered that cocoa actually reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseasePlasma LDL and HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL concentrations are altered in normo- and hypercholesterolemic humans after intake of different levels of cocoa powder.

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In another study it was found that virtually all the components of the cocoa - theobromine, numerous polyphenols and antioxidants - a positive effect on the heart and blood vesselsThe cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate..

3. Can help in the fight against diabetes

Chocolate improves endothelial closed (cells forming the inner layer of the blood vessels) and increases sensitivity to insulinProtective effects of dark chocolate on endothelial function and diabetes.. The endothelium is important for the health of the arteries, and in insulin sensitivity is usually defined risk diabetes.

Of course, to protect against diabetes, you need to eat dark chocolate with low sugar content.

4. Can prevent a stroke

Recently, the results of the study have been published, which found that chocolate reduces the risk of strokeHabitual chocolate consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy men and women.. Scientists have for decades observed the health of those who frequently consume chocolate, and those who are completely abandon it. Total researchers compared the performance of more than 20 000 people.

Of course, the results of such studies can not be considered unambiguous. It is possible that those who ate a lot of chocolate, there are other common habits that affected the lower risk of stroke.

5. Effect on cholesterol

Chocolate prevents the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol - one of the causes of atherosclerosisEpicatechin in Human Plasma: In Vivo Determination and Effect of Chocolate Consumption on Plasma Oxidation Status.. When the cholesterol is oxidized, low density lipoproteins (LDL) are reacted in the body. They harm the arteries and internal organs, and may even cause cancer.

Means of dealing with active LDL are considered antioxidants that just rich chocolate.

6. Lowers blood pressure

Scientists from Harvard University analyzed 24 studies of the properties of chocolate and have found that the bitter chocolate (containing cocoa 50-70%) lowers blood pressureChocolate and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review.. It is especially useful for those who already suffer from hypertension.

7. It helps with coughing

Theobromine contained in cacao reduces vagal activity - brain region, activation of which causes coughing.

Scientists have found that chocolate suppresses the cough more efficient than conventional cold medicine - even those that contain codeine, which has a weak narcotic effectTheobromine inhibits sensory nerve activation and cough..

To do this, we conducted an experiment in which participants offered different remedies for cough. One group was given conventional medicine with codeine, the second - a means to theobromine, and third - Placebo. The panelists were then exposed to capsaicin - burning substance contained in chili peppers. The group receiving medication with theobromine, took a third more capsaicin to start coughing.

8. Useful during pregnancy

During pregnancy there is a risk of pre-eclampsia - a condition where the blood supply to the fetus is complicated or completely stopped. This is due to high blood pressure, for natural pregnancy. Scientists have found that regular consumption of chocolate can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia due to the decrease in blood pressureChocolate Consumption in Pregnancy and Reduced Likelihood of Preeclampsia..

During the study, one group of women who use chocolate with a high content of flavonoids, while the other - low. Positive results were reported in both groups.

9. Stimulates the brain

Frequent consumption of high-quality chocolate improves the ability to process information, visual-figurative and abstract thinking, memoryChocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function..

British psychologists from Northumbria University conducted a study and found that the flavonoids contained in chocolate help the mental arithmeticUniversity studies on dark chocolate.. In the time of the experiment compared the ability of participants to conduct calculations before and after they drank a cup of hot cocoa.

10. It is a source of antioxidants

Antioxidants fight in the body with free radicals - particles associated with cancer.

Scientists calculated measure of the relative antioxidant activity (Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index), highlighting of chocolate antioxidants and checking their effect on free radicals. The results showed that they manage effectively outside the body against free radicalsProtective effects of dark chocolate on endothelial function and diabetes..

11. It protects the skin from UV rays

Of course, the effectiveness of the protection will be higher if there is cocoa beansLong-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women.. They are sold in health food stores.

But also a quality dark chocolate to cope with the task. In chocolate containing 85% cocoa flavonoids is sufficient to protect against harmful radiationEating chocolate can significantly protect the skin from UV light..

12. It contains a lot of nutrients

In half a cup of pure cocoa contains:

• riboflavin, 6% of the daily norm.
  This vitamin helps convert food into energy, facilitates the absorption of iron in the intestine. It also improves skin and hair has a positive effect on eyesight and brain function.
• vitamin B34% of the daily norm.
  Good for the skin, nails and red blood cells. Like vitamin B2, is involved in metabolism.
• Calcium5% of the daily norm.
  Is required for proper functioning of muscles and nerve cells, regulate blood pressure, and hormone production. Particularly important for healthy bones and teeth.
• Iron, 33% of the daily norm.
  Involved in the formation of hemoglobin and oxygen transfer. Also, iron is involved in the development of amino acids.
• Magnesium53% of the daily requirement.
  Along with calcium helps muscles and reduce metabolismRegulates blood pressure, strengthens bones and teeth.
• Phosphorus30% of the daily norm.
  It is essential for bone health. Furthermore, part of the DNA and is involved in metabolism.
• Zinc40% of the daily norm.
  Used as a construction element of proteins and cells, promotes absorption of vitamin A. Also helpful for the immune system.
• Copper80% of the daily norm.
  Plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, is useful for metabolism, immunity and proper functioning of the nervous system.
• Manganese83% of the daily norm.
  Trace mineral and antioxidant that is necessary for the development of bone tissue. However, too much manganese can cause mental problems.
• Omega-6 fatty acid, 378 mg.
  Necessary for brain function, help to rid the body of cholesterol, provide energy.
• Caffeine99 mg.
  Stimulating substance contained in coffee and tea, and the most controversial component of chocolate.

In one tile of dark chocolate (80% cocoa) will leave about half the title number cocoa.

13. Improves the distribution of red blood cells

Regular consumption of dark chocolate may have a positive effect on erythrocyte distribution width on volumeAcute effect of dark chocolate on red blood cell distribution width.. This unit - a reliable way to measure the diagnosis of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Scientists have suggested that chocolate improves the distribution of red blood cells due to a sufficiently high iron content.

14. It strengthens the immune system

Inflammation - tissue reaction to pathogens, chemicals, and wound infection. Cocoa regulates the inflammatory response of the immune system due to the flavonoids contained in itThe effects of cocoa on the immune system..

In addition, cocoa has a positive effect on the lymphoid tissues and some types of cells that produce antibodies that help fight bacteria and diseases.