Friday, February 5, 2010

Antioxidants Found in Chocolate

For the past decades, many proven scientific studies have shown that chocolate antioxidants are beneficial to our health and body. It has been known for a fact that the antioxidants present in chocolates, particularly dark chocolates, are potent source of antioxidants that destroys free radicals in our system. Chocolate antioxidants are primarily responsible for fighting these highly unstable and destructive molecules thereby maintaining a balance in our system to prevent occurrence of deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension, to name a few. Generally, chocolate antioxidants are rich in flavorous that arrest oxidation processes in our system and therefore preventing damage in our body.

Another classic benefit that these antioxidants bring in our health is that it effectively strengthens our immune system thus enabling our body to defend itself from potentially harmful viral and bacterial infections. Our immune system is our defence system tasked to eliminate destructive molecules and other abnormalities found in our body to keep us to function normally everyday. It is also an established fact that chocolate antioxidants and any other form of antioxidants found in fruits, green tea and red wines for instance, slows down the aging process. Antioxidant is key to longevity as it allows you to stay longer and younger in the pink of health.

A study conducted by the National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research in Rome suggests a proper way of taking in chocolate antioxidants in order to maximize the absorption of antioxidants in our body. The result of the study indicates that eating chocolates, especially dark chocolates, should be eaten not in conjunction with any type of milk or its derivatives as the milk interferes with the body's absorption of chocolate antioxidants. The subjects who ate pure dark chocolates have shown substantial drop in their blood pressure compared to those who mixed it with milk. Thus, if you are a chocolate lover it is time to change gear and switch to pure dark chocolate for optimum acquisition of chocolate antioxidants.

The best source of chocolate antioxidants comes from cocoa powder as it contains the highest amount of antioxidant capacity. The basic is rule is that the darker the chocolate, the more potent source of chocolate antioxidants it is. The suggested daily intake of dark chocolate based on the study made is 3.5 ounces to get the optimum chocolate antioxidants. Milk chocolates in particular have the least antioxidant properties and this claim was backed by the study mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Further, dark chocolates are known for having less sugar content and good source of cholesterol compared to milk chocolates. For the more health conscious individuals they always ensure that they have the regular source of rich antioxidant supplements. We should also be warned from eating excessive chocolates because they are rich in calories which may lead to obesity if consumption with gusto is not properly observed. To successfully attain a healthy, disease free body, the secret, however, is moderation and balance our diet by eating nutrition-rich vegetables, cereals and fruits.

John Ulonka can often be found sipping a hot cup of espresso at the local beanery. Besides savoring the latest blends, John has a site with reviews of straight blade razor, as well as a review of vintage straight razors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Ulonka

No comments: