Chocolate’s Health Benefits Emerge!

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SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- The chocolate lovers have reasons to feel happy about. A group of US researchers have found out that the dark chocolate has significant health benefits and the advantages exceed what one can get from fresh fruits. The research has revealed that dark chocolate contains a large amount of antioxidants and healthy plant compounds and the amount far exceeds what is found in fruit juice. This may challenge what the food experts and doctors have suggested for decades. The Hershey Centre for Health and Nutrition scientists compared cocoa powder the main ingredient of chocolate with fruit powders made from fruits like cranberries, pomegranates, and blueberries. These are known as super fruits having several nutritional benefits.

However, the researchers have also found that the health benefits offered by dark chocolate cannot be found in hot chocolate since it is processed. A senior member of that research team Debra Miller said “The compounds in dark chocolate are just as good as the botanical compounds in fruit”. The health benefits offered by Dark chocolate are numerous as the study has found out.

The researchers claim that cocoa has a lot of anti oxidants which go a long way in battling menaces like cardiac ailments. Not only that, it also helps in thwarting blood clots. The blood vessels also benefit from it which results in free and steady flow of blood to the heart. Those who have mood swings and feel depressed at times cam also benefit from gorging on dark chocolate. A compound named phenylethylamine in cocoa triggers the release of hormones which make the eaters feel better.