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Chocolate is good for you!!
9th November 2009Dark Chocolate that is! Not the milk or white variety.
This is great news for those of us looking forward to our Easter eggs!
Studies to date highlight dark chocolate's health values because it has the highest percentage of cocoa solids, which are rich in cell- protecting antioxidants. Surprised? Many people are. That's because they forget that chocolate is a plant-based food and ounce for ounce, dark chocolate and cocoa have more antioxidants than blueberries, green tea and red wine...
Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure
But that's no license to go on a chocolate binge. Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure -- if you've reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure, say the researchers. But this must be in moderation and supported by a healthy eating plan.
Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant, reports Mauro Serafini, PhD, of Italy's National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome. Antioxidants 'gobble' up free radicals, which are destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease and other ailments.
"Our findings indicate that milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate ... and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate."
Synergy's tip:
Say "Dark, please," when ordering at the chocolate counter. Don't even think of washing it down with milk. And if health is your excuse for eating chocolate, remember the word "moderate" as you nibble.