Chocolates for Good Health

Chocolaterians, here's a good new for all of you! If the urge of constant calorie checks and guilt feeling have been stopping you lately from indulging in your favorite food, then here's a reason for you to rejoice and break free. In a recent publication of the European Heart Journal that includes the results of an eight-year study by German researchers, it has been showed that consumption of 6 grams of chocolate—the equivalent of one square—per day, lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in humans by 39 percent.

Besides, an analysis of three prior studies of chocolate and stroke that was conducted by the researchers from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada also indicated that eating about one bar of chocolate per week can help decrease the risk of stroke by 22 percent, as well as reduce the risk of death after a stroke. Even those who have already suffered a heart attack can benefit from the consumption of chocolate.

This is not the first time that the nutritional benefits of eating chocolate has come to light. Earlier too, there were evidences that indicated towards its beneficial aspects. Some interesting health facts about eating chocolates are:

- Flavonoid, found naturally in chocolate, works to protect cells from environmental toxins and provides an antioxidant therapeutic effect in the body.

- Flavonoids also work to reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

- Chocolate contains cocoa butter that helps in regaining the lost elasticity in the body.

- Chocolate is an anti-inflammatory agent.

So, go induge in the dark delicacy of chocolates and have a blast of a time.