A tasty cure...?

Chocolate...something that absolutely everyone adores from youngsters to older individuals. However, did you know that chocolate can bring plenty of health benefits? As usual, Universal Medicine always opt to provide medical news which individuals may not be familiar with so this week on Universal Medicine we will be revealing the possible remedies that a simply bar of chocolate could provide.

Although there is a massive stereotype linking chocolate to conditions such as obesity and tooth decay, a recent study has portrayed the potential aid chocolate can bring to health. It all comes down to the amount of cocoa content which is used to orchestrate chocolate. Moreover, cocoa is obtained from the fruit grown on cocoa trees which is sourced in many areas ranging from Brazil to Ivory Coast which is the highest cocoa producing country as it provides 30% of global cocoa. So what's so special about cocoa? Well, it is packed full of a group of compounds known as "Antioxidants." These antioxidants are said to fight the harmful effects of oxidative stress on cells within the body meaning it can help with major medical issues such as cardiovascular diseases; antioxidants can help maintain healthy arteries hence the cardiovascular section is aided. Furthermore, chocolate inherits another secret weapon...cue the Flavanols. Research has been clearly indicating that the flavanols in chocolate can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow and reduce the chance of a blood clot. In addition, researchers are beginning to find evidence that chocolate could lead to a reduced chance of obtaining type 2 diabetes as it can reduce insulin resistance.

Many individuals are beginning to believe that chocolate could be the next great super food due to the above qualities which we have revealed. When compared with super fruits such as acai and blueberry, chocolate came out on top on the antioxidant activity. Also, the total flavanol content from cocoa powder was much greater than all the other, competing, super fruit powders. On the other hand, we are not suggesting that everyone starts a chocolate-only diet as there is a lot of sugar such suggesting alternate health issues. Furthermore, it's important to note that a lot of chocolate is processed so the natural remedies which are stated to be in cocoa may not be fully used to its potential. But a daily intake of dark chocolate could potentially be recommended in the future as dark chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants. Who knows, maybe chocolate will be prescribed by doctors sooner rather than later...?

Thanks for reading this week’s blog, be sure to check out our previous blogs and get your comments in about this tasty cure...until then have a great week.

Written by Adil Rahman

Information sources:
http://www.amanochocolate.com/faqs/where-do-cocoa-beans-come-from/
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/20110207/is-chocolate-the-next-super-food?page=2
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/309741.php

 



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