What makes dark chocolate healthy?

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Dark chocolate contains high levels of bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants with many health benefits. These antioxidants are particularly beneficial to the cardiovascular system.

Lowers Blood Pressure

According to a 2003 study by Dr. Dirk Taubert of the University of Cologne in Germany, dark chocolate reduces high blood pressure. In the study, patients who ate a 100-gram dark chocolate candy bar each day for two weeks experienced a five-point drop in systolic blood pressure.

Prevents Blood Clots

The February 2009 Harvard Men's Health Watch magazine states that Swiss and U.S. studies show that the flavonoids in dark chocolate can prevent blood clots by reducing the blood platelet activation that often leads to clots.

Reduces Stroke Deaths

A study released in February 2010 by the Stroke Research Institute in Toronto found that people who consumed 50 grams of dark chocolate once a week were 46 percent less likely to die from a stroke than people who ate no dark chocolate.

Promotes Artery Health

European studies have found dark chocolate to be helpful in improving arterial health, according to an article in the February 2009 Harvard Men's Health Watch. Consuming dark chocolate can reverse the negative effects on the arteries caused by smoking.

Considerations

Dr. Mauro Serafini of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research states consuming dark chocolate with milk weakens its benefits, according to a report in the August 2003 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. Milk reduces absorption of the chocolate's beneficial antioxidants.

Source:

Web MD: Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate

Harvard Health Publications: The Health Benefits of that Heart-Shaped Box of Dark Chocolate

National Library of Medicine: Dark Chocolate May Lower Stroke Risk

More Information:

Web MD: A Dark Chocolate a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

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What makes dark chocolate healthy?

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