Each morning I mix a teaspoonful of cocoa with my coffee. I love my morning coffee with cocoa better. I really do.
Researchers have some news for
chocolate lovers: it may be good for you. Scientists reported preliminary
evidence recently that cocoa and other chocolates may keep high blood pressure
down, your blood flowing and your heart healthy.
One study found that a
substance in cocoa helps the body process nitric oxide (NO), a compound
critical for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Another study showed that flavonols in cocoa
prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging the
arteries, and make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause
clots. Flavonoids are plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties; so
far, scientists have found more than 4,000 kinds. Cocoa beans contain large
quantities of flavonoids, and so do red wine, tea, cranberries, peanuts,
strawberries, apples and many other fruits and vegetables.(2) The flavonoids in
chocolate are called flavonols.
Generally, science has found that dark
chocolate is higher in flavonoids
than milk chocolate.
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