Dark Chocolate in Women’s Health
Brought to you by Double Spiral Chocolate™ (made by Shona’s parents!!)
Nutrition
Choose dark chocolate with minimal ingredients and processing. Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese. It is packed with beneficial minerals including potassium, zinc, and selenium. Women lose iron during periods and pregnancy so make sure to replenish during those times with dark chocolate!
Brain
Cacao contains antioxidants called polyphenols that help increase blood flow to the brain. Cocoa may significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. Stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine can improve brain function in the short term. Two ounces a week of dark chocolate can decrease a woman’s stroke risk by 20%. The anti-inflammatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion.
Heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Observational studies show a drastic reduction in heart disease risk for the people who consume the most chocolate. Theobromine in chocolate is a vasodilator, a diuretic, and heart stimulant. Chocolate contains many flavanols with antioxidant properties, including epicatechin which lowers blood pressure, improves blood flow, lowers cholesterol, improves insulin sensitivity, and suppresses appetite.
Energy
Epicatechin can amplify your cells’ mitochondrial function which will increase your energy levels. Caffeine and theobromine are stimulants found in cacao.
Mood
Chocolate can reduce anxiety and depression. Cacao can improve your serotonin levels and trigger natural endorphins and tiny amounts of anandamide, “the bliss molecule.” Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love.
Weight control
A small square of good chocolate melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal triggers the hormones in the brain that say “I’m full,” cutting the amount of food you subsequently consume. Finishing a meal with the same small trigger could reduce subsequent snacking.
Appearance and aging
Research shows that regular dark chocolate eaters are slimmer than those who abstained, and it can also make you age better. Compounds found in chocolate called resveratrol analogues make your cells both look and behave like younger cells. Studies show that the flavanols from cacao can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.
Mothers and babies
A Finnish study found that chocolate reduced stress in expectant mothers, and that the babies of such mothers smiled more often than the offspring of non-chocolate-eating parents.
Resources
Ageing advice: Scientists claim chocolate and red wine can help you look YOUNGER. (2017, November 8). https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/877087/ageing-advice-how-to-look-younger-is-drinking-wine-eating-chocolate-healthy
Double Spiral Chocolate. http://doublespiralchocolate.com/
Gunnars, K. (2017, May 30). 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate
Migala, J. (2017, November 14). The Benefits of Dark Chocolate. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/dark-chocolate-benefits
Randerson, J. (2004, April 7). Chocolate in pregnancy keeps baby happy. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4854-chocolate-in-pregnancy-keeps-baby-happy/
Shepherd, R. (2011, October 11). Women should eat more chocolate!. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235781.php
