We all like chocolate, and it is always great news to find out that it may boost health in a variety of ways. Dark chocolate slows memory loss and improves cognitive function. The British Journal of Nutrition published a study which showed that the daily use of chocolate can be especially healthier.
A team of researchers from the University of Warwick analyzed data from 1, 153 people, aged 18 to 69, who participated in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk in Luxembourg study, which evaluated the risk factors of heart disease. Their findings indicate that the daily intake of 100 grams of chocolate, lowers insulin resistance and improves liver enzymes than participants. Furthermore, these participants were physically more active, looked younger, and more educated.
Given the growing body of evidence, including our personal study, cocoa-based products and services may represent one more dietary recommendation to enhance cardio-metabolic health.
This encourages the intake of foods high in polyphenols, the metabolite that boasts chocolate’s health profile, and prevents cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.
Researchers claim that you will need to make a difference between natural cocoa and the more processed kinds of chocolate; dark chocolate has half the sugar and four times the fibre than milk chocolate.
“A bar of dark chocolate contains:
– 11 grams of fibre
– 67% of the RDI for iron
– 58% of the RDI for magnesium
– 89% of the RDI for copper
– 98% of the RDI for manganese
– It also has lots of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium
Obviously, 100 grams (3. 5 ounces) is just a fairly large amount and never something you should be consuming daily. All these nutritional elements also come with 600 k-calories and moderate amounts of sugar.
That is why, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation.
The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also exemplary. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with lower amounts of polyunsaturated fat. ”
Now, here is a simple recipe for a delicious homemade chocolate bar:
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cacao
1/2 cup organic, cold-pressed coconut oil
1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. sea salt
A handful of almonds, chopped into slivers (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, melt the coconut oil, after which add all the ingredients, except for the almonds. Next, lay out a cookie sheet with parchment paper about it, pour the mixture over it, make a rectangle, and sprinkle with almonds. Leave to freeze. Enjoy!
