HEALTHY BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE

New Studies Reveal Benefits of Cocoa Beans on our Health

New studies are being done by some of the worlds leading chocolate manufacturers into the health effects of cocoa beans.

For years chocolate enthusiasts and the scientific community have been compiling data on the benefits of  polyphenols an element found in cocoa beans. In repeated studies polyphenols have been proven to be rich in antioxidants and to provide significant protection against cardiovascular disease.  Studies have also suggested, however not conclusively so in humans, other positive effects of poly­phenol including a impact on memory and learning ability.

Effects on our bodies cells

Vegetables and fruits naturally contain high amounts of polyphenols. We have known for years that fruit and veg have an antioxidant effect on the body, however we are now seeing in new research that the cocoa bean and more specifically dark chocolate also contain a great deal of polyphenols and their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants go a long way in assisting our bodies in the fight against free radicals, which studies suggest cause cell damage. In addition to combating cell damage and cardioid-vascular disease, polyphennols have also been seen to support the functions of our immune system. In other studies research has also shown polyphenols may have anti ageing effects and combat against memory loss too.

Of course chocolate lovers want more reasons to eat their favourite treat and with more and more research being done and more and more results being published there are more!

The emotional health benefits of eating good quality chocolate have also been proven with tests resulting in mood enhancement and stress relief.

The physical and emotional benefits from eating quality chocolate has lead to an increase in “functional chocolates” popularity. Functional chocolate eating is really the act of purchasing and eating chocolate on the basis that this chocolate has significant health benefits.

This has resulted in manufactures working on and developing actual ranges to cater to this new demand including:

• Chocolate for improving your mood
• Chocolate that gives a sense of well being
• Chocolate for the cardiovascular system
• Chocolate to that help maintain body weight
• Chocolate to enhance the memory
• Tooth kind chocolate
• Chocolate to enhance concentration
• Chocolate to boost the immune system

The health benefits of top quality chocolate have been proven, but don’t let the sciency part take away the pure enjoyment of the treat itself. Just know that a little of what you fancy always does you good, regardless of the science behind it all.

© 2012, Andrianna Athas-Fardoulis. All rights reserved.