Chocolate is one of the world’s favorite foods and has been shown to have several health benefits that could be especially beneficial for older adults ¹. Here are some of the health benefits of chocolate:
- Decreasing stress and inflammation ¹.
- Protecting against UV damage ¹.
- Protecting from disease fighting free radicals ¹.
- Potentially preventing cancer ¹.
- Improving heart health ¹⁵.
- Improving blood pressure and blood sugar ¹⁵.
- Improving overall cholesterol profile ¹⁵.
- Improving cognitive function ¹.
Cocoa, an ingredient in chocolate, contains biologically active phenolic compounds that could impact aging and conditions such as oxidative stress, blood pressure regulation, and atherosclerosis ¹.
Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which have various health effects, like reducing inflammation, keeping your blood vessels flexible and even slowing down the aging process itself. Dark chocolate can even improve skin aging ³.
One study showed that dark chocolate had more antioxidant power than any fruit tested. In addition, researchers have showed increased nitric oxide (reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow and oxygen delivery), reduction in oxidized LDL, and increased HDL. The flavanols can reduce insulin resistance as well ⁴.
In conclusion, chocolate has many health benefits that can help improve longevity and anti-aging. However, it is important to consume chocolate in moderation as it is high in calories and sugar content.
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