Research is continuing all the time, and experts have already found that chocolate is good for the heart, circulation and brain, and it has been suggested that it may be beneficial in such major health challenges as autism, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even ageing in general. (Source: Telegraph)
Consumption of cocoa has been shown to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raise levels of “good” cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- 11 grams of fiber.
- 67% of the RDA for Iron.
- 58% of the RDA for Magnesium.
- 89% of the RDA for Copper.
- 98% of the RDA for Manganese.
- It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.
The flavonols in dark chocolate can protect the skin against sun damage
A Finnish study found that chocolate reduced stress in expectant mothers, and that the babies of such mothers smiled more often.
Interestingly cocoa has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. So dark chocolate - in moderation - might delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.
Flavonoids are thought to reduce memory loss in older people, and the anti-inflammatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion.
Eating dark chocolate is good for your memory, blood pressure, and your mood. It helps alleviate depression and also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which means that it is good for your brain. And if it is good for your brain...it is good for you.
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins.
Diabetes and Chocolate
In most cases, chocolate will cause blood sugar levels to rise and in light of this it’s best to limit chocolate consumption to small amounts and to avoid eating when blood sugars are already higher than the recommended blood glucose levels.
If a larger amount of chocolate is consumed, it will raise blood sugars which increases the risk of complications, of which cardiovascular problems is one.
For most people with diabetes, chocolate is best restricted to a few squares to prevent too much of an increase in sugar levels.
For people with diabetes without weight problems, chocolate can be appropriate to have before exercising.
Which chocolate is best for me?
Chocolate with higher amounts of cocoa solids are best, as the sugar and fat content will often be lower as a result.
For high cocoa solids content, dark chocolate is usually a good pick.
Is diabetic chocolate better for my sugar levels?
Generally speaking, diabetic chocolate is made by replacing some or all of the sugar content with an alternative source of sweetener, such as the polyols (sugar alcohols) maltitol and sorbitol.
Polyols can have laxative effects and therefore they should not be consumed in large quantities. The effect of polyols may vary from person to person.
Some people find diabetic chocolate to be beneficial compared with regular chocolate, however, many people with diabetes find diabetic chocolate to not have enough redeeming benefits.
Diagnosed with Diabetes
Check out : Links below
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes-and-chocolate.html
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