Eat Dark Chocolate and get Healthier?

Eat dark chocolate and get healthier? Yes, a study shows that a daily treat of dark chocolate can actually improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease! Dark chocolate is also known as “bittersweet” or “semisweet” chocolate. It contains a high percentage (70% or more) of cocoa solids, and little or no added sugar. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants (nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries) and appears to retain the highest level of polyphenols, such as catechins and procyanidins. Polyphenol-rich dark chocolate and cocoa powder has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol and protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. The researchers report that eating 100 g of dark chocolate for two weeks reduced blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, improved flow-mediated dilation, and ameliorated insulin resistance in patients with hypertension.