Good News For Fans Of Chocolate
Just in time for Easter comes new research, which show, wait for it, that people who regularly eat some chocolate have a lower BMI than those who do not. Whilst the reason was not determined, the link withstood allowance for a host of other variables.This has got to be good news for lovers of chocolate – which is most of us.
Chocolate is universal. It is said that nine out of ten people say they like chocolate and the tenth is lying.
So lets look at some “health benefits” of chocolate. The good feeling you get is not imagined. Chocolate contains a phyto-nutrient, which is an endorphin. The “high” from eating chocolate can be similar to the high runners get. It comes from the endorphins (the bodies natural happy hormone). Chocolate is virtually an antidepressant. Is it any wonder people turn to chocolate when they feel down? A Swiss study showed that eating 40g a day of dark chocolate lowered stress hormones in the bloodstream making people more resilient to stress.
A Swedish study showed that after a heart attack, those who ate chocolate at least twice a week had a three fold increase in survival over an eight-year period. Meanwhile a Canadian study showed a decreased risk of stroke in those who ate chocolate once a week compared to those who do not.
The benefits come from the flavinoids in cocoa, which are a potent anti oxidant. These flavinoids have also been shown to protect our genes (DNA) from oxidative damage. This potentially makes chocolate an anti-aging compound.
Dark chocolate has lots of minerals including potassium, zinc, copper, chromium and magnesium. Many women turn to chocolate if they have pre menstrual symptoms. This is related to low magnesium. Again the body knows what it needs.
So there is no need to feel guilty about eating chocolate on Easter or on any other day, just don’t over do it.
