Furthermore, Keen said, consumption of flavonoids rich chocolate will have positive cardiovascular effects. "We not only observed an increase in antioxidant capacity after chocolate consumption, but also modulation of certain compounds which affect blood vessels," he continued.
Antioxidant is a particle that can reduce the effects of a radical destruction of cells in the body. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains are foods that contain high antioxidants.
Flavonoids in chocolate comes from cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids. Some studies show a dark chocolate contains flavonoids equivalent to 6 apples, 4.5 cups of tea, 28 glasses of white wine and two glasses of red wine.
But on the other hand, Dr. Harold Schmitz said there are varying levels of flavonoids in chocolate and cocoa products depending on the production process. Flavonoids expected to reduce cardiovascular disease, as the top cause of death in many industrialized countries, but chocolate also has a high fat and high sugar.
The British Heart Foundation explained that fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of flavonoids, including some other nutritious foods and suggest to enjoy a little chocolate on a regular basis. But convince yourself to eat at least five pieces of fruit and vegetables every day to obtain the flavonoids you need without the fat.
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