Wonderful Heart Health Perks of Eating Dark Chocolate
Did you know eating dark chocolate can have heart health perks? People who eat this tasty cacao treat have better cardiovascular health. According to research, dark chocolate boosts blood circulation, improves cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure. Everyday Health columnist Dr. T. Jared Bunch recommended making dark chocolate a part of one’s diet habit because it helps keep heart disease at bay.
“Dark chocolate should be included in a life plan that includes exercise, eating healthy foods that are largely plant-based, getting adequate sleep, stress reduction, and maintenance of weight,” Dr. Bunch elaborated.
The heart-health effects of cacao caught the eye of various researchers as they noticed the unusually healthy elders of Panama’s Kuna Indians. One study, which was published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, highlighted their large consumption of unprocessed cacao. Drinking an average of four cups of cacao every day, these Indian elders were free of heart problems.
But when they gave up on their traditional cacao beverage as they relocated to cities, the Kuna elders developed age-related cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, just like the rest of us.
While there are many studies establishing the link between good heart health and consuming cacao products, it should be with caution if one is prone to migraine or is suffering from allergies that can be triggered by chocolate.
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