Love is in the air, and chocolate is a must. From chocolate hearts to chocolate roses, people include it in almost every part of the celebration. But is chocolate beneficial for heart and skin health, or can it cause harm? And does the type of chocolate make a difference? Know its benefits here.
According to Baylor College of Medicine, chocolate may offer cardiovascular benefits, but certain conditions apply. The publication states that dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa is beneficial for the heart, which milk chocolate does not provide, and white chocolate provides even less benefits.
Chocolate contains fiber
Reports suggest that as the percentage of cocoa in chocolate increases, it becomes healthier. When a bar contains at least 70% cocoa, it leaves less room for additives like sugar and extra flavorings. The higher cocoa content also provides more nutrients like fiber, iron and magnesium.
support gut health
According to reports, dark chocolate contains polyphenols, similar to those found in fruits, nuts and seeds, which may be beneficial for healthy gut microbes. Cocoa also acts as a prebiotic, a type of fiber that gut bacteria digest. The ZOE report identified 50 “good” gut bugs and 50 “bad” gut bugs that are linked to better and worse health outcomes, including heart and metabolic health.
Helping with heart health and blood pressure
According to the report, chocolate contains flavanols, which is a type of polyphenol, and cocoa also contains theobromine, which is another natural compound. Research has linked both to better blood vessel function, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease in both people with and without pre-existing health problems. However, scientists are still calling for more research to fully understand how these substances help heart health.
Improvement in cholesterol level
Polyphenols may also improve cholesterol levels. Studies show that they can increase “good” cholesterol while reducing “bad” cholesterol, helping overall balance. However, eating too much dark chocolate can harm cholesterol levels due to its sugar and saturated fat content.
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