Dark chocolate, particularly the non-alkalized type, is a delicious treat that packs a variety of health benefits. Non-alkalized dark chocolate retains a much higher content ( 80%) of cocoa flavanols, which are responsible for many of its health-promoting properties. Here's a closer look at some of the benefits backed by scientific research:
1. Preservation of Antioxidant and Flavanol Content: Non-alkalized dark chocolate has a higher concentration of antioxidants and flavanols. Alkalization, or Dutch processing, significantly reduces these beneficial compounds. Natural, non-alkalized cocoa powders have shown the highest levels of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), total polyphenols, and flavanols, including procyanidins, which are all crucial for cardiovascular health benefits (Miller et al., 2008).
2. Cardiovascular Health: The flavanols in dark chocolate can improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors. These benefits are attributed mainly to increased nitric oxide bioavailability, which plays a crucial role in vascular relaxation and blood flow (Vlachopoulos et al., 2006).
3. Improved Lipid Profile: Regular consumption of dark chocolate has been linked to increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in the blood, contributing to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (J. Mursu et al., 2004).
4. Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Pressure: Flavanol-rich dark chocolate has shown potential in decreasing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension and glucose intolerance (Grassi et al., 2005).
5. Oxidative Stress Reduction: Dark chocolate consumption has been associated with reduced markers of oxidative stress, such as F2-isoprostanes, suggesting its role in protecting against oxidative damage to cells (Allgrove et al., 2011).
In summary, non-alkalized dark chocolate is not only a treat for the taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, through the preservation of flavanols and antioxidants. It's a delightful way to support your heart health and overall well-being.
1. Preservation of Antioxidant and Flavanol Content: Non-alkalized dark chocolate has a higher concentration of antioxidants and flavanols. Alkalization, or Dutch processing, significantly reduces these beneficial compounds. Natural, non-alkalized cocoa powders have shown the highest levels of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), total polyphenols, and flavanols, including procyanidins, which are all crucial for cardiovascular health benefits (Miller et al., 2008).
2. Cardiovascular Health: The flavanols in dark chocolate can improve endothelial function and reduce blood pressure in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors. These benefits are attributed mainly to increased nitric oxide bioavailability, which plays a crucial role in vascular relaxation and blood flow (Vlachopoulos et al., 2006).
3. Improved Lipid Profile: Regular consumption of dark chocolate has been linked to increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in the blood, contributing to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (J. Mursu et al., 2004).
4. Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Pressure: Flavanol-rich dark chocolate has shown potential in decreasing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension and glucose intolerance (Grassi et al., 2005).
5. Oxidative Stress Reduction: Dark chocolate consumption has been associated with reduced markers of oxidative stress, such as F2-isoprostanes, suggesting its role in protecting against oxidative damage to cells (Allgrove et al., 2011).
In summary, non-alkalized dark chocolate is not only a treat for the taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, through the preservation of flavanols and antioxidants. It's a delightful way to support your heart health and overall well-being.
RSS Feed