There’s very good news for chocolate lovers: not only is this sweet delicacy the perfect pick-me-up, but it can also be good for your body, thanks to flavonoids. These antioxidant-rich wonder ingredients are found in chocolate and other fruits and vegetables. Read our article from Venchi and discover how flavonoids can benefit...
There’s very good news for chocolate lovers: not only is this sweet delicacy the perfect pick-me-up, but it can also be good for your body, thanks to flavonoids. These antioxidant-rich wonder ingredients are found in chocolate and other fruits and vegetables. Read our article from Venchi and discover how flavonoids can benefit your health.
Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in certain fruits, vegetables and foods. Luckily for chocolate fans, flavonoids can also be found in chocolate. Experts say eating a diet filled with flavonoids can positively impact your health. These ingredients can boost cardiovascular health and help fight off inflammation and chronic diseases.
Ultimately, you can enjoy chocolate guilt-free, thanks to the flavonoids. Dark chocolate is rich in these compounds and benefits both your body and your taste buds.
There are 6 key groups of flavonoids which can give different health benefits. Looking at foods that contain flavonoids, we can highlight these compounds:
1. Flavan-3-ols: black tea, chocolate and berries
2. Flavonols: lettuce, tomatoes, kale, apples, tea, red wine
3. Isoflavones: legumes and beans
4. Flavanones: citrus fruits
5. Anthocyanins: red, purple and blue fruits
6. Chalcones: pears and strawberries
Where are the flavonoids in chocolate? They’re hiding in the cocoa beans. These are first harvested, fermented, and then roasted into the chocolate on your supermarket shelves. Flavonoids are not the only nutritious ingredients in cocoa. The cocoa beans benefits are endless.
Thanks to dark chocolate’s high cocoa content, it’s often crowned the healthiest chocolate variety. Dark chocolate’s benefits include being a natural antidepressant, healing the nervous system, and helping decrease cellular ageing, among many more.
There is not only one variety of dark chocolate but many different flavours, all with different cocoa percentages. Usually, the more cocoa in the chocolate, the healthier it is. For example, the number of flavonoids in chocolate can range from 100mg in 3 ounces to as high as 2,000 mg in a different brand.
Can diabetics eat chocolate? The answer is not the same for everyone: you should always check with your doctor first. But in general, dark chocolate with a lower sugar content is a favourable treat for diabetics.
Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from toxins and let it function more smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis.
The human body has a remarkable ability to protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals thanks to a natural arsenal of antioxidants. However, these internal defences can be bolstered by incorporating flavonoids from our diet. These powerful plant compounds act as potent scavengers of free radicals, helping to mitigate oxidative stress and its associated damage to cells.
Flavonoids have even been shown to decrease cancer tumours in rats and mice. So, the signs are promising for humans.
Sometimes, the most thoughtful gift you can get a loved one is a box of the finest dark chocolate. You’ll not only sweeten up their day but also help them heal their mind, body and soul. Here are just some of the known health benefits of flavonoids.
Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Harvard Medical School show that daily flavonoid consumption can improve memory and thinking skills. This may be because flavonoids protect brain cells from toxins and inflammation.
Flavonoids can support cardiovascular health. Many doctors suggest adding flavonoid-rich foods to your diet to improve your heart’s function. Not only that, but this hardworking ingredient can also decrease your risk of stroke and improve your mood, of course.
For those with high blood pressure, flavonoids could be a big help. These ingredients can help you maintain healthier blood pressure levels while at the same time improving blood flow to your heart and brain.
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