The health-promoting properties of this product have been known for a long time. However, not everyone knows that regular consumption of dark chocolate can not only have a positive effect on the heart or support weight loss. It turns out that this delicacy slows down the aging of the body.
Such news from the scientific world will certainly please dark chocolate lovers. Scientists from King’s College London looked at one of its ingredients – theobromine. According to their findings, people with higher levels of it in their blood were more likely to show signs of slower biological aging.
The study found a specific link between a key ingredient in dark chocolate and staying younger longer. Scientists analyzed blood samples from 1,669 people – they examined the concentrations of breakdown products of compounds such as theobromine and caffeine. They also measured two indicators of aging based on DNA methylation – chemical “markers” that change with age. One concerned general labeling patterns, while the other indicated the length of chromosome ends, or telomeres.
According to the findings, the association between theobromine and a “younger” biological age profile was statistically noticeable. Interestingly, the research team also took a closer look at other compounds present in cocoa and coffee, but only theobromine was found to be associated with biological aging. This certainly gives reason for further research on the topic.
The aspect of biological age is certainly very important, but there are many more reasons to reach for this delicacy. Why is it worth eating dark chocolate? There are plenty of reasons.
Dark chocolate is a source of many valuable minerals, such as: magnesium, zinc, copper or iron. It also contains antioxidants – catechins, epicatechins and anthocyanidins. Thanks to these ingredients, regularly drinking dark chocolate may reduce the risk of type II diabetes and insulin resistance.
The flavonoids contained in dark chocolate also protect the cardiovascular system by supporting the production of nitric oxide. This, in turn, relaxes blood vessels, facilitating blood flow and thus lowering blood pressure. Dark chocolate is also a good product for people who want to lose weight. Interestingly, the previously mentioned theobromine and theophylline are helpful in this process. The smell of dark chocolate itself also supports weight loss – there are studies according to which it causes a feeling of satiety and reduces appetite.
Some people reach for chocolate to improve their mood, which, as it turns out, has a specific justification. It has been proven that regular consumption of dark chocolate with a minimum of 85% cocoa content reduces bad mood. The taste, aroma and pleasure of eating good-quality dark chocolate can stimulate endorphins.
A balanced menu definitely has a place for snacks such as dark chocolate. However, it is known that everything should be done in moderation. So how much dark chocolate can you eat a day? It is believed that 25 g is a portion that you can safely consume regularly.
If you want to live a healthier lifestyle and consume less sweets, a square of dark chocolate with your coffee may be part of a great strategy.
Source: dietetyki.org.pl, Terazgotuje.pl
