Posted May 1, 2018.
Chocolate is a delectable sweet that many, many people enjoy. Most people are not aware, however, that eating chocolate in moderation has benefits to both your overall and dental health. Dark chocolate in particular has many benefits. Dr. Andolino and our team are more than happy to go over the many benefits of chocolate with you.
Dark Chocolate & Blood Pressure
According to studies, dark chocolate, but not white chocolate, can significantly lower high blood pressure. Eating dark chocolate particularly helps if you have reached a certain age and have mild high blood pressure. This is not an invitation to binge on chocolate. You will need to balance the extra calories you are taking in through chocolate by eating less of other things.
Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, but not other types of chocolate, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants work to protect the body from damage from free radicals (harmful molecules) that may cause heart disease and other health issues. In other words, the antioxidants in dark chocolate can protect against or slow heart disease. The antioxidants in chocolate contain vitamins C and E, among others, as well as helpful minerals.
Chocolate & Heart Disease
Research suggests that consuming chocolate can reduce the risk developing heart disease by one third. While eating chocolate is linked to lower risk of cardiometabolic disorders, further study is still needed to confirm whether or not white chocolate is beneficial in the same way.
Chocolate & Stroke
In a Canadian study, those who ate chocolate were found to be 22 percent less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not each chocolate. In addition, those who regularly ate chocolate were found to be 46 percent less likely to die if a stroke did occur.
Dark Chocolate & Skin Health
There are bioactive compounds in dark chocolate that are believed to be great for the skin. Dark chocolate consumption is believed to help protect the skin against sun damage, improve skin density and hydration, and improve the blood flow to the skin.
Chocolate & Other Overall Health Benefits
Studies have shown that chocolate consumption may help lower cholesterol. In addition, drinking hot chocolate daily is thought to keep the brain healthy and to reduce memory impairment in the elderly. Chocolate may even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Consuming chocolate can also help improve blood flow to the brain.
Chocolate & Dental Health
Choosing chocolate can even aid you in your dental health. This may come as a surprise, but chocolate is one of the best candies for your teeth. Chocolate does not stick to your teeth like other candies do, so it washes off easily. To further care for your smile, choose dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, as dark chocolate has less sugar.
We encourage you to contact Andolino Orthodontics PC at (212) 753 - 5575 today to learn more about the benefits of chocolate to your overall and dental health and to set up your next appointment with our orthodontist in New York, New York.