8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Published on: 21 September 2022 Last Updated on: 22 September 2022

Chocolate is the world’s favorite sweet indulgence. In fact, the average person will consume about 12 pounds of chocolate each year. Chocolate is often considered a treat or a dessert, but did you know that chocolate actually provides great health benefits too?

Some of this has to do with the amount of lecithin in chocolate. Chocolate truly brings together the best of both worlds: a yummy treat that is also good for you in moderation.

Checkout 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate:

Let’s take a look at some of the ways chocolate can actually help you stay healthy.

Not All Chocolate Is Created Equal

It is important to remember that not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate is actually the only form of chocolate that can really benefit your health.

The reason for this is that dark chocolate does not have tons of added sugar. In fact, the darker the chocolate the less sugar is added. So, if you want to really reap the health benefits, always choose dark chocolate.

1. Antioxidant

Within our bodies are chemicals and compounds referred to as free radicals. These chemicals and compounds are created by cellular processes. You can think of them as waste products that are created as our body processes toxins and other invaders. These free radicals can have a negative impact on our health over time.

To fight free radicals, you need antioxidants present in your body. Antioxidants are compounds that kill off the free radicals and keep your body clean. Dark chocolate is a wonderful source of antioxidants. A regular dose of dark chocolate will help keep free radicals down in your body.

2. Cancer Prevention

Cancer research scientists have a growing body of research that supports the existence of cancer-fighting properties in dark chocolate. This is due to the presence of antioxidants and flavonoids found in the chocolate. Tests have shown that these compounds successfully reduce the number of colon cancer cells in rats.

3. Heart Health

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate are primarily of the type called flavonols. These compounds have a powerful effect on heart health, including blood pressure reduction and improving blood flow to the heart. Some tests also show that flavanols can also improve blood flow to the brain as well, which could improve cognitive function.

4. Improves Cholesterol

Cholesterol levels can have a significant impact on heart health and overall well-being. The cocoa butter that is found in chocolate contains healthy fats and polyphenols. These both work together to improve the lipid profile of the body. This means that it can help to decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Cholesterol profiles can affect how well the heart can pump blood throughout the body. High cholesterol levels can greatly increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

5. Improved Cognitive Function

Dark chocolate has a powerful impact on how blood can move through the body. This includes increasing blood flow to the brain. When the brain does not have sufficient blood flow, it will start to impact cognitive function. This can include memory, task management, time management, mood, and more.

Improving blood flow to the brain is one of the best ways to improve cognitive function. Doctors have tested Alzheimer’s patients who were given flavonoid-rich foods to see if the increase in these compounds in the diet could improve cognitive function factors.

Positive results have been recorded in these tests. Because dark chocolate is considered a flavonoid-rich food, it can be added to a flavonoid-rich diet to help with cognitive function.

6. Blood Pressure

Blood pressure issues can be a huge contributor to the risk of heart disease. There are medications that can be used to control blood pressure problems, but there are also natural ways to help blood pressure as well. Adding dark chocolate to your diet has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels.

However, you should note that if you are being treated for blood pressure issues under a doctor’s care, you should follow all instructions from your doctor. Talk with your doctor about natural ways to improve blood pressure.

7. Improves Vision

Vitamins and nutrients found in dark chocolate have also been shown to help improve vision. Although natural methods of vision improvement, such as diet modifications, cannot cure all vision problems, it is good to know which food products you can add to your diet to boost vision.

8. Improves Skin

The rich flavanol content of dark chocolate may also be able to improve your skin. When flavanols are rich in the body, they can help to protect your skin from sun damage. Sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer. Flavanol can also help to improve skin smoothness as well.

Some Final Considerations

If you decide to start adding more dark chocolate to your diet, be sure to remember that dark chocolate should be added in moderation. You should choose chocolate that has very little added sugar. The darker the better.

The many health benefits of dark chocolate can be primarily attributed to a large amount of flavonoid content. If you are interested in more health benefits, you can research other flavonoid rich foods. Adding these foods into your diet can increase these health benefits.

It is important to note that you should always consult your doctor concerning current treatments and not make sudden changes to your treatments without consulting your doctor.

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Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Hair Loss Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Many people in the world suffer from the problem of hair loss. The reason can be heredity, accident, stress, anxiety, and many other people in America can go for hair loss treatment California so that the problem of loss can be controlled, and gradually eliminated. Hair loss occurs typically for everybody, but it is replaced by new hair. When this does not happen, then the loss can make the person bald. Hair Loss Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: Causes of hair loss: If a person feels that he is losing hair, but new hair is not taking their place, he/she can go to a doctor who will diagnose the reason for the new hair not growing. Heredity is the most common cause of people losing hair and becoming bald. Other causes of hair loss can be surgery, traumatic events, stress, anxiety, etc. Hormonal changes can also result in hair loss, but they can be temporary. The hormonal changes can occur because of childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, etc. Other causes can be high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, heart problems, etc. Most of the hair products that we use are driven by marketing and advertising. We see our favourite celebs endorsing them and do not think twice about putting such harmful chemical-laden products in our hair. It is essential that we only use dermatologist recommended products at all times. If you are in doubt, get an appointment with an experienced dermatologist and then buy hair care products like shampoos and conditioners according to their prescription. The dermatologist will take into account your pre-existing conditions, your hair-type, scalp issues, and more. Symptoms of hair loss: There are many symptoms, which show that the person is losing hair. These symptoms are Thinning of hair on the top Patchy bald spots on the head Hair loss started suddenly and was not replaced by new hair Hair loss in the whole body Treatment of hair loss: There are various methods, which can be done to control and eliminate the problem of baldness. The treatment depends on the causes and symptoms of hair fall. Some of these treatments have been discussed here. Medication: This is the first thing that dermatologists prefer, and they prescribe Over-the-counter (OTC) medication. This medication includes creams and gels, which the person has to apply directly to his scalp. Minoxidil is one of the main ingredients in the cream and gel. This ingredient has some side effects like irritation. This can also lead to hair growth on the forehead and face. Oral medication can also be prescribed if the dermatologist sees the symptoms of baldness. If medication is not helpful, then other procedures can be adopted to stop hair loss. Hair transplant surgery: In this surgery, hair is planted along with small pieces of the skin on the parts of the scalp where there is no hair growth. This process is good for those people who have the hereditary problem of hair loss. The patient needs to go through multiple surgeries so that all the bald portions can be covered with hair. Scalp reduction: In this process, those portions of the scalp are removed which have no hair. These areas are closed by using the skin of those parts that have hair. The flap is another option in which a part of the scalp that has hair is placed on the bald part of the scalp. Conclusion: These are the causes and symptoms of hair fall, and treatment is not very easy if there is no effect of medication. The patient has to undergo many surgeries so that hair can be transplanted, and the patient starts looking smart again. Read Also: How Can You Let Your Hair Regrow Naturally? 6 Proven Ways To Deal With Hair Loss For Women What To Know About Laser Hair Removal Utica NY

8 Natural Ways to Balance Hormones

Did you know that every day your body is sending complex chemical messengers called hormones to regulate its systems? Often times, we think our hormones negatively, but these natural compounds are essential to the health of both men and women. The most common types of hormones include cortisol, melatonin, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, adrenaline, and insulin. Without any of these, our bodies wouldn't be able to function properly. Hormones can impact everything from digestive health to mental health, and they are intimately involved in the reproductive cycle. As important as they are, dysfunction can easily occur at different points in the production and circulation of hormones. It is vital to understand how to combat these issues in a natural way. Read on to learn more about the endocrine system's inner workings, as well as natural ways to balance hormones. How the Endocrine System Works: The endocrine system is essentially made up of several glands that produce the different types of hormones found in your body. To name the major ones, these are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas. The testes and ovaries are also involved, depending on your sex. Understanding the basis of this system can help you understand what can go wrong, and how to promote better hormone health. Firstly, there are key ingredients that are needed to produce hormones. These include fats, proteins, and various nutrients. As well, toxins can disrupt hormones by either mimicking them or suppressing their production in some form. All and all, the entire endocrine system works in unison to promote the normal functioning of your body. Even the slightest imbalance can lead to symptoms. Signs of Hormone Imbalance: There are a few keys signs of hormone imbalance to be aware of, as both a male and female. In women, problems around the menstrual cycle are often the most obvious sign of an imbalance. Infertility, irregular periods, skin issues, and premenstrual syndrome can all signify issues with the endocrine system. Additional symptoms that can manifest in both sexes include fatigue, anxiety, depression, low libido, insomnia, digestive issues, hair loss, and weight problems. Natural Ways to Balance Hormones: With the impact that hormones can have on the body, promoting their balance in your daily routine is essential. Natural options are much more favorable than synthetic ones such as birth control or other artificial hormone medications. These do not get to the root of your health issues. They merely cover them up, and symptoms can get worse or more can occur in the meantime. As an alternative to treatments that do not get to the bottom of your problems, here are eight natural ways to balance hormones. 1. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine disruptors are abundant in our industrialized world. These are chemicals and compounds that interfere with hormonal processes in the endocrine system. A few well-known endocrine disruptors include BPA, dioxin, phthalates, and certain pesticides. The items we use in our homes can often contribute to our overall toxin load, and switching over to healthier alternatives can be greatly beneficial. Choose non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible, and try to avoid using plastics in the kitchen as much as possible. As well, our beauty products can also be a potential source of exposure. Use the environmental working groups website to help you pick better products for your hormones. Lastly, eating organic produce whenever possible will reduce your consumption of pesticide residue. 2. Limit Caffeine: Caffeine is a big part of most of our lives, and it is difficult to part with. But, in truth, it can have detrimental effects on our hormones. Highly-caffeinated beverages, namely coffee, can put our bodies into a permanent state of fight-or-flight by stimulating the production of stress hormones. While this may be beneficial in the short term, it can stress your entire body out in the long-term. Consider cutting back on your caffeine intake, or swapping it out entirely for drinks with lower levels of caffeine. 3. Eat Healthy Fats: Many hormones are cholesterol-based, meaning that fat is the basis of their make-up. Therefore, eating plenty of healthy fats will help your body produce enough of these hormones. Ensure that you focus on saturated fats and omega-3's especially, as our diets tend to be too high in omega-6's. 4. Sleep is Key: Sleep is the time when our bodies produce hormones and detoxify harmful substances from our body. Moreover, sleep can disrupt your mood and your blood sugars levels, both of which can contribute negatively to hormones. Try to optimize your sleeping environment by making the room as dark as possible and creating a nighttime routine. 5. Exercise Properly: While exercise is always important, extended periods of exertion can actually have negative consequences. Therefore, opt for less strenuous workouts such as weight lifting or gentle yoga when you first begin your healing journey. 6. Try Mindfulness: Stress is often at the root of our hormone problems. In the least, it can make your moods and physical symptoms much worse. To complicate things, stress is not an easy problem to 'fix'. Often times, it is anything but easy to reduce our stress levels. One option to try, however, is to implement mindfulness into your approach. It will not only help you become more aware of your body and its struggles but also to how you deal with adversity. Over time, you can begin to shift your mindset around the stresses of life with mindfulness and develop a better relationship with it altogether. 7. Consider Herbs or Supplements: Another potential way to heal your endocrine system is with different herbs and supplements. These are not a quick fix by any means, but they can provide additional support alongside other treatments. Some good options for supplementation could include red raspberry leaf, evening primrose oil, vitex, maca, fish oil, magnesium, and zinc, depending on your specific imbalance. 8. Try Bio-Identical Hormones: There are times when no amount of natural treatment through sleep, diet, and exercise help. In this case, an option could be bio-identical hormone therapy, which involves using chemically identical hormones to heal your imbalance. BodyLogicMD has an abundance of information on this topic and can help provide you the support you need. Hormone Health Reflects Overall Health: All in all, the health of our endocrine system is reflective of our lived environment. While it can be influenced partly by genetics and other factors out of our control, much of it is impacted by the way we choose to live. Therefore, by consciously choosing to implement natural ways to balance hormones, we can reap the benefits of our system working in our favor. For more information about how hormones can impact reproductive health, check out our post of the causes of female and male infertility. Read More: Must-Have Appliances for a Healthier Life. Important Habits to Protect Your Ear Health and Hearing. How to Stay Healthy and Fit Despite a Hectic Schedule.

The Science Of CBD: Unlocking Its Potential Health Benefits

Introduction mes CBD (cannabidiol) has quickly become one of the hottest trends in wellness today. From tinctures and gummies to creams and capsules, its products have taken off, but what's behind all this buzz? In this article, we'll delve deep into CBD's science as we examine its therapeutic potential across a spectrum of health conditions. Let's embark on this adventure together as we uncover its rise to fame! What Is CBD? Before we dive deeper into its scientific components, let's start with the basics of what CBD is. CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring component found in cannabis plants; unlike its more renowned cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), however, CBD doesn't cause intoxication as THC does and instead can provide potential health benefits without altering one's state of mind. CBD is available in various forms, with CBD edibles being a popular choice for those looking for a tasty and discreet way to incorporate it into their daily routine. These edibles come in the form of gummies, chocolates, and more, making it easy to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD without any psychoactive effects. If you want to explore a wide range of CBD edibles, you can check out the best options available at cbdamericanshaman.com. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) To understand how CBD works its magic, we must become acquainted with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex network exists within each human and plays an essential role in regulating various physiological functions; think of it as your body's command center, constantly working toward maintaining balance and harmony. The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, consists of three primary components: endocannabinoids produced naturally by your body; receptors; and enzymes. When something in your body goes out of balance, your ECS responds immediately - for instance if you're stressed your body produces more endocannabinoids to help relax; when an injury has occurred it works to reduce inflammation and promote healing through ECS stimulation. Mechanism Of Action From CBD At its core, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system by engaging its receptors: CB1 and CB2. Like having backstage passes to this intricate concert of biochemical reactions! But what goes on behind the scenes? CBD's ability to modulate neurotransmitters and signaling pathways gives it immense therapeutic potential, potentially altering how our body communicates internally and creating profound physical impacts, including therapeutic outcomes for various processes within our bodies. Potential Health Benefits What exactly are these purported health benefits we keep hearing about? Well, scientific researchers have been hard at work researching CBD's capabilities. Here are a few areas in which it shows promise: Chronic Pain Management: Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, but CBD may offer relief by engaging pain receptors and reducing inflammation. One study discovered that CBD significantly decreased pain while improving sleep in individuals suffering from chronic conditions. Anxiety and Depression: With modern life's stressors at play, CBD's potential to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms is particularly impressive. Multiple studies suggest it could have both anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant properties similar to prescription medications by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain and providing anti-stress benefits. Epilepsy and Seizures: Some forms of epilepsy in children have shown great promise with treatment using CBD oil, including reduced seizure frequency. Indeed, the FDA approved Epidiolex to treat certain rare forms of epilepsy. Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorders: CBD's anti-inflammatory properties hold great promise in treating arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Recent research indicates that CBD can suppress the immune system's response to inflammation, potentially decreasing tissue damage. Sleep Disorders: For those experiencing difficulty sleeping, CBD could offer a natural solution by helping relax muscles and improving overall sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated this property of CBD can both increase total sleep time as well as enhance its quality. Note that CBD research remains promising, yet is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Individual results will depend on various factors and therefore it's wise to consult with healthcare providers before including it in your wellness regime. Safety And Side Effects Of course, safety should always be of primary concern when purchasing wellness products. Thankfully, CBD has an impressive safety profile. Any adverse side effects are typically mild and infrequent, including dry mouth, diarrhea, and fluctuations in appetite or weight changes. Legal And Regulatory Considerations Before heading out to purchase CBD goodies from your nearest store, it's crucial to understand the legal and regulatory landscape. Legality varies by region; therefore it's vitally important that you become informed of your local rules regarding this substance. In the US for instance, CBD from hemp with less than 0.3% THC content is federally legal while state laws may differ accordingly. Future Research And Conclusion As CBD research progresses, so too does its potential. There's still much to discover about this compound and ongoing studies are investigating new avenues. CBD provides hope to those searching for natural ways to enhance their well-being. At its core, CBD science is an engaging field with immense promise for multiple health conditions. While not a miracle cure, its potential therapeutic effects have been supported by scientific research. As you embark on your wellness journey, consult with healthcare professionals, select high-quality products, and approach CBD with an open mind - it may provide relief from chronic pain, and anxiety or improve sleep - making CBD an invaluable addition to your arsenal of well-being tools - it all starts by understanding its science, being informed and finding what works for you! Read Also: How Does CBD Affect Your Drug Tests? How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives What is Cannabis Oil and how does CBD Oil Work?

8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate