Eating chocolate Daily could reduce heart disease, diabetes risk

With the increasing number of cardiovascular problems, many people want to learn about ways to reduce heart disease. Here is some good news for all those chocolate lovers out there. Health geeks too would also be delighted with the finding that a daily dose of chocolate can become part of a heart disease prevention diet. Does this sound too good to be true? Who would have thought that something as scrumptious as chocolate would ever be considered healthy? This comes as a surprise to most of us but thankfully it’s a pleasant one.

Major causes of heart diseases?

When the walls of arteries become thicker, blood flow to the organs is restricted resulting in a series of cardiovascular problems. Some people are born with conditions that expose them to the risk of heart attack. While in other circumstances, problems arise due to unhealthy lifestyle options. Smoking, poor diets and lack of exercise all lead to cardiovascular problems.

Tobacco is known for its injurious effects for the heart. It leads to the buildup of a waxy substance in the arteries which thickens them and makes them narrow, restricting the flow of blood to and away from the heart. This can lead to chest pains and heart attack. Lack of physical activity is also a major cause of heart problems. Being physically active reduces the risk of heart attacks. Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves the circulation of blood, preventing blood clots that could cause heart attacks or complete heart failure. A 30 minute daily walk is enough to kick start an active and healthy lifestyle and secure oneself from the risk of heart disease.

Diet is an essential risk factor which should be taken into consideration. A diet which consists of fried and processed foods causes high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes which in turn are linked to corollary heart disease. While saturated fats are harmful for the heart, poly saturated and natural fats found in nuts, seeds and fish are beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart.

Ways to reduce heart disease

Consuming foods with a high fat and sugar content causes obesity which is closely linked to cardiovascular disease. However, eating chocolate which was previously not encouraged is now believed to work as a cure. According to recent research, it has been shown that eating chocolate daily can improve heart health. A little indulgence in this case does not harm your health. Instead, it actually improves it and strengthens the heart. A positive correlation is said to exist between eating chocolate and lower blood pressure, improved blood flow and the prevention of blood clots. These benefits help in the maintenance of a balanced cardio vascular system and a healthy heart.

While chocolate seems to do wonders for the heart, it is important to know how much of it should be consumed. Researchers have not come up with a fixed dose but it is suggested that a daily intake of 200 grams of chocolate does the trick. Eating too much would cause other health problems like obesity and increased levels of cholesterol due to the high sugar content of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is therefore believed to be a better option as compared to milk chocolate due to its low sugar and fat content. Dark chocolate also has a greater flavonoid content. Flavonoids which are found in cocoa are believed to improve heart health and prevent the development of heart issues.

Heart disease prevention diet

Although there is no magic recipe for eliminating the risk of corollary heart disease, certain measures help in the maintenance of a healthy heart. It is essential to eat a balanced diet accompanied with adequate exercise. Foods which reduce the risk of heart disease include fish containing omega 3 fatty acids which reduce cholesterol and improve the flow of blood. Vegetable oils, fresh fruits and vegetables, fibre, soy, nuts and seeds should also be consumed as they are known to have various benefits for the heart.

Chocolate and heart health

Research suggests that dark chocolate when eaten in moderation improves heart health. A daily intake of chocolate is associated with a decrease in blood pressure levels. It was also found to lower the risk of cardio metabolic disorders which cause heart disease and diabetes. The substance responsible for protecting the heart are flavonoids which are a class of anti-oxidants found in chocolate in large amounts. Other foods which contain flavonoids are fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee and cocoa. Various studies have tried to find whether flavonoid consumption is an important dietary factor in relation to heart disease. Most studies show a positive correlation between intake of flavonoids and a healthy cardio vascular system. Those people who consumed the lowest amount of flavonoids were more prone to heart attack and other health issues. Those who consumed enough flavonoids had healthier arteries and were more likely to be protected against health problems.

Based on the findings of such studies, it can be stated that chocolate with its high flavonoid content has many benefits. Although there is no direct evidence that chocolate is the cause of protection, there are a range of benefits that can be associated consuming chocolate in moderate amounts. Physicians may not be prescribing chocolate to their patients yet but they are certainly not opposed to the idea of consuming chocolate. Instead, people are being encouraged to eat a moderate amount of chocolate on a daily basis.

Although chocolate has been found to have useful effects on heart health, it is important to be keep a few things in mind. The health benefits of chocolate are to be found in the natural product cocoa. Chocolate in its processed form is packed with loads of sugars and other substances which can cause obesity if taken in excess. If one is consuming chocolate, it should be carefully balanced with an active lifestyle which includes exercise and a healthy diet. Taking a daily dose of chocolate with a low sugar content can reduce heart disease and improve overall health.