Katie's Writing Notes

Researchers have found some intriguing and wonderful health benefits of dark chocolate, which may encourage consumption of dark chocolate.

These benefits are for dark chocolate, and the darker, the better.  So the more cocoa (the higher percentage), the more health benefits you will gain.  Most people can’t tolerate the 100% cocoa for its extreme bitterness, but at the 70-80% levels, after acquiring the taste, you can begin to enjoy the numerous health benefits.  In fact, you may come to prefer dark chocolate.

HEALTH BENEFITS FOUND THROUGH RESEARCH

* Dark Chocolate acts as an appetite suppressant.  Two research studies conducted at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, found 1) that consumption of dark chocolate in moderate amounts reduces cravings for salty, sweat, and other foods, and 2) that eating a meal after consuming dark chocolate 2.5 hours previously, the caloric consumption is reduced by 15%. [1]

* Dark chocolate has also been found to lower bad cholesterol by up to 10%.

* Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure.  According to JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) in August 2003 [2], eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate each day can lower blood pressure because elements of the dark chocolate relax the blood vessels, making blood flow more easily.

* Dark chocolate has many antioxidants, as reported in Nature (August 2003).  Antioxidants destroy free radicals in the body, protecting the body from aging and other ailments.

* Dark chocolate offers a lower glycemic index.  Dark chocolate offers the same glycemic index as oatmeal, so dark chocolate won’t spike your blood sugar and let you crash later. [3]

* Because dark chocolate stimulates endorphin production and contains serotonin, you simply feel better after eating it.  And it contains caffeine and other stimulants, so you’re up as well [4].

Adding dark chocolate to your diet if done in moderation, can add health benefits to your life.  Balance its addition with a decrease in other caloric vices.

References and Links to more information:

1. www.scientistlive.com/European-Food-Scientist/ingredients/dark_chocolate_more-filling/21388

2. www.webmd.com/diet/news/20030827/dark-chocolate-is-healthy-chocolate

3. www.allchocolate.com/health/basics

4. http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongnutrition/p/chocolate.htm