Have you always thought that dark chocolate was just a sin of throat? Discover all the hidden benefits that you probably didn’t know
The Maya and the Aztecs called the cocoa “Xocolatl”, which means “food of the gods”. The ancient American civilizations used cocoa beans to create drinks to offer kings and priests during sacred rites. They also believed that cocoa was an energy source, an emolient conditioner and a powerful aphrodisiac.
To date there are many scientific studies that demonstrate how much dark chocolate is a true ally of our physique and our mind. The more the quality and the percentage of cocoa are high inside a tablet, the higher the contribution of proteins, lipids, minerals and vitamins of group B. Just think that 100 grams of cocoa contain more phosphorus of 100 grams of cod and more magnesium than 100 grams of bananas.
Below you will find a series of benefits of dark chocolate that perhaps you still don’t know and that could amaze you!
A cure -all for the heart
Scientific studies have widely shown that consuming dark chocolate regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
All thanks to the flavonoids, cardioprotectric substances also contained in some varieties of fruit, vegetables and even in tea, which help to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow towards the heart and brain and reduce the risk of clots.
Natural antioxidant
Among all the substances contained in dark chocolate, the most important are the polyphenols, natural antioxidants already present in high quantities in the cocoa bean and preserved in various percentages in chocolate.
The epicatechin is certainly fundamental, a substance that contributes to improving cardiac functions and that produces positive effects on circulation and blood pressure.
In addition, research shows how catechins present liver and immunostimulating properties. Flavonoids, such as polyphenols, protect arteries from the damage of atherosclerosis and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Lowering of the pressure
Consuming a little dark chocolate to lower the pressure, it may seem like a grandmother’s remedy, too simple to be effective. On the contrary, the chocolate binomial/hypertension is really winning.
Also in this case the merit is of the flavonoids which, if combined with a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, can help keep the pressure under control.
The dark chocolate therefore does not raise the pressure, even if you have to choose it carefully: it is better to prefer a darkman with high percentages of cocoa and without sugar.
Against bad cholesterol
Another fact to be observed is the relationship that binds the dark chocolate to cholesterol. It is good to remember that the active ingredients of cocoa, in competition with the action of the stear acid contained in cocoa butter, can increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce not only the bad (LDL), but also triglycerides.
However, those suffering from high cholesterol should keep the quantities under control, paying more attention to how much dark chocolate a day it is better to eat.
Antidepressant and stimulating
Considering the well -being of the mind, bitter chocolate is also a good tonic for the nervous system thanks to the presence of phenylethylamine, a natural antidepressant.
Let’s not forget that in addition to giving us the relaxing effect of magnesium, useful both for physical well -being and for the balance of the nervous system, the dark chocolate also works as an exceptional anti -stress and natural antidepressant by merit of the tryptophan that helps the body to release serotonin, or the hormone of the good mood.
Memory and concentration
Finally, chocolate can provide us with the right energy charge to feel active during the day.
In addition to this, bitter cocoa also helps to encourage concentration and memory thanks to Theobromine and caffeine, two precious allies that help to remove sleepiness and focus on what we have to do.
