Lose Weight By Eating Chocolate!
Lose Weight By Eating Chocolate!
Chocolate Contains Polyphenols
Thanks to certain flavonoids that exist in chocolate, this sweet treat has been found to decrease body fat. Flavonoids are plant-based nutrients that are prevalent in dark chocolate. The Cocoa in the dark chocolate is a rich source of high-quality polyphenols. Experimental evidence has shown that the consumption of cocoa polyphenols may do more than just help you lose weight.
Lowering blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is another benefit of cocoa. What better time to discuss cardiovascular health than now in February? After all….. FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH! The American Heart Association will be the first to confirm that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. But the good news is, t is also one of the most preventable. Making heart-healthy food choices and increasing the amount of polyphenols in your diet can greatly decrease your risk.
Polyphenols Promote a Healthy Heart!!
Polyphenols are compounds found in foods such as tea, coffee, cocoa, olive oil, and red wine. And studies have shown that certain polyphenols strengthen the arterial walls of the heart. They also strengthen the lining of the blood vessels in the heart while promoting healthy circulation.
Polyphenols Help with Inflammation!!
When your body is inflamed, it experiences problems at the cellular level. Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It has also has been found to increase insulin resistance, and interfere with feelings of hunger and metabolism-regulating hormones. Munching on dark chocolate in moderation can help prevent and repair the cellular damage caused by inflammation. This is because the flavonoids found in cocoa contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Still not convinced?
Polyphenols can help prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Strong evidence shows that polyphenol-rich diets and foods, such as berries and olive oil, can lower “bad” cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol. Polyphenols may help relax the blood vessels. Therefore, polyphenol-rich foods like olive oil and green tea may help lower blood pressure. Polyphenols may help reduce certain cancers, especially prostate cancer, through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
The majority of polyphenols aren’t absorbed in the small intestine and instead travel to the large intestine, where they may promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.There is strong evidence to suggest that different polyphenols can reduce blood sugar and other risk factors for diabetes. Polyphenols, particularly soy isoflavones, may support bone health. This is especially true later in life when they can reduce the risk of bone diseases like osteoporosis. Polyphenols can improve brain health in the elderly by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Foods Rich in Polyphenols:
Cocoa powder: 3,448 mg per 100 grams. Dark chocolate: 1,664 mg per 100 grams. Flaxseeds: 1,528 mg per 100 grams. Blueberries: 836 mg per 100 grams. Black olives: 569 mg per 100 grams. Coffee: 214 mg per 100 grams. Almonds: 187 mg per 100 grams. Red wine: 101 mg per 100 ml. Green tea: 89 mg per 100 grams
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