Facts about the significance of the cacao plant in health
Quick Facts:
•Contains substances that are beneficial to our human health.
•High concentrations of natural antioxidants called flavonoids
Because of scientific research, we now see that chocolate and cocoa powder contain substances that are beneficial to human health. They both contain high concentrations of natural antioxidants called flavonoids. This can help to diminish the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, the antioxidant activity of chocolate’s flavonoids helps to lower oxidation of cholesterol flowing on low-density lipoproteins. The oxidation of these lipoproteins is a vital step in the making of artery-clogging plaque. There is also evidence from research conducted that consuming chocolate (in moderate quantities) can give you health benefits in relation to dementia, strokes, and diabetes. An example of a health-improving chocolate is dark chocolate. Different substances in flavonol-rich (dark) chocolate have beneficial roles in “not only vascular health but also in lung tissue and human breast cancer” (Young 13). This does not mean we should consume chocolate in very large amounts, because of issues regarding an increase in weight.
•Contains substances that are beneficial to our human health.
•High concentrations of natural antioxidants called flavonoids
- Can help diminish the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Because of scientific research, we now see that chocolate and cocoa powder contain substances that are beneficial to human health. They both contain high concentrations of natural antioxidants called flavonoids. This can help to diminish the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, the antioxidant activity of chocolate’s flavonoids helps to lower oxidation of cholesterol flowing on low-density lipoproteins. The oxidation of these lipoproteins is a vital step in the making of artery-clogging plaque. There is also evidence from research conducted that consuming chocolate (in moderate quantities) can give you health benefits in relation to dementia, strokes, and diabetes. An example of a health-improving chocolate is dark chocolate. Different substances in flavonol-rich (dark) chocolate have beneficial roles in “not only vascular health but also in lung tissue and human breast cancer” (Young 13). This does not mean we should consume chocolate in very large amounts, because of issues regarding an increase in weight.
