10 AWESOME USES OF CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is not only the gift of the couple in a Valentine's Day, many studies have found that chocolate is also good for the heart, circulation, brain, and helps prevent serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease ...
1. Containing lots of nutrients
A 100 g dark chocolate piece with about 70-85% cocoa contains:
- 11 g fiber
- 67% of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance: average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy people) of iron
- 58% of the RDA of Magnesium
- 89% of the RDA of Copper
- 98% of the RDA of Manganese
- High content of Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium.
2. Being good for circulation
According to The Telegraph, a recent study showed that dark chocolate helps recover blood circulation in the arteries, and prevents white blood cells sticking to blood vessel walls - two common causes of coronary artery blockage.
3. Reducing the risk of stroke
Researchers in Finland have conducted a study on a group and found that eating chocolate reduced the risk of stroke by 17%. Besides, those who had a stroke often eat chocolate reducing the risk of death by 46%.
4. Reducing cholesterol
Many studies have demonstrated chocolate consumption helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), which prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research in the journal BMJ (British Medical Journal) concluded chocolate consumption can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by 35%.
5. Being Beneficial for the skin
Flavonol in dark chocolate may protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, improve the blood flow to the skin and increase skin elasticity density.
6. Helping in weight loss
According to a nutritionist and neuroscientist - Dr.Will Clower, a small piece of chocolate melt on your tongue 20 minutes before a meal can create hormone in brain, which makes you feel full, thereby cutting the amount of food consumed later. In addition, it also restrains the urge to eat junk foods containing much sugar, fat or salt.
7. Being good for pregnant women and babies
A Finnish study showed that pregnant women eating chocolate regularly will reduce stress. The born child will be happy and laugh more than the children of mothers who did not eat chocolate.
8. Preventing diabetes
Some studies prove cocoa is capable of improving the sensitivity of insulin. So, eating chocolate in moderation can help delay or prevent the development of diabetes.
9. Improving memory
Flavanol reducing the risk of dementia in the elderly and anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of brain injury are found in dark chocolate. Scientists at Harvard Medical School said that drinking 2 cups of hot chocolate every day could protect the blood flow to the brain stability and prevent memory loss in the elderly.
10. Promoting better mental
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is a chemical that the brain creates when you are glad and happy, such as when you are in love. PEA encourages brain releasing endorphins bringing a sense of happiness, blithe.
Source: Internet
