Over 64 million Americans suffer from a condition defined as metabolic syndrome – a combination of risk factors, which makes one more susceptible to serious health complications. Four in ten Americans will get metabolic syndrome by the time they reach 70 years old.
Contrary to what people may think, this condition often shows up in sufferers who are not obese but may have recently gained a lot of weight around their midsection and have an “apple” shaped figure. The common understanding about this condition is that it is caused by a malfunctioning of the body’s energy storing and burning system.
There are several things that contribute to the severity of the syndrome including genetics, a highly processed diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and weight gain.
When you visit your doctor you will most likely be urged to lose weight. This means no more processed, fast or sweet foods. However, one food often thought of as a treat – dark chocolate- may be exactly what your doctor orders.
A study published in the British Medical Journal observed that a daily dose (with a polyphenol content equal to 100 grams) of dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with metabolic syndrome. According to the research, if all study participants ate dark chocolate daily, 70 non-fatal and 15 fatal cardiovascular events per every 10,000 people would be averted over a ten-year period.
The good news is that because of the blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects of dark chocolate, it could be an effective therapy for people with metabolic syndrome who have not yet developed diabetes. Of course, chocolate has very few, if any adverse side effects compared to drugs presently in use and would have, it is thought, a very high compliance rate. Who doesn’t love chocolate?
Organic Raw Dark Chocolate Facts
Flavonoids in dark chocolate, that reduce inflammation and fight free radicals, are thought to contribute to a healthy heart. They have been linked to improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and the reduction of plaque that can build up on artery walls.
The minerals in cacao also contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system. One study, published by Science Daily, found that eating as little as 6.7 grams of chocolate per day had a protective effect on heart health.
Theobromine, an alkaloid found in cacao, is thought to stimulate the central nervous system and provide the body with a boost of energy. Cacao also contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which affects brain chemistry in a similar fashion to falling in love. Cacao has been linked to increasing the availability of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can elevate your mood and even lessen depression.
Organic, raw dark chocolate contains minerals including magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, manganese and calcium. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B8 and E, and is a good source of protein and fiber.
The fats found in organic raw dark chocolate support well-being. They include oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive and coconut oils, plus saturated fats, which the body needs to properly function.
Buy Quality Chocolate
To get the most health benefits from your chocolate,
raw, non-roasted cacao beans. You can also find raw cacao in ‘nibs,’ which are cacao beans that have been peeled and crushed, and cacao powder (not to be confused with cocoa powder), which is created by peeling and cold-pressing cacao beans. If you really want to just eat some dark chocolate choose organic, raw dark with at least 70% cacao content.
Initially bitter, you can use organic, raw dark chocolate in savory dishes, or combined with coconut crystals or crushed stevia leaf for sweeter recipes. So, skip the candy bar, and enjoy REAL chocolate!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3488419/pdf/OXIMED2012-906252.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20968113
http://works.bepress.com/emmanueloheneafoakwa/90
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/pr900607v
