Dark chocolate can be a saint or a sinner?

 by: Nia Amira Najwa binti Azmi

Magnesium: Chocolate can be a saint or a sinner? how chocolate cravings are signals of magnesium deficiency and signs of too much stress. Magnesium deficiency affects 70%-90% of people and is involved in over 300 vital bodily processes such as proper digestion and optimal blood pressure. Chocolate has high levels of magnesium but it is hard to absorb because of nutrient inhibitors called phytates.

Healthy Fats: The main fat in chocolate is called stearic acid which is a saturated fat that has been shown not to raise cholesterol. Saturated fats have been good for us for the past 2.5 million years until 1953 when Professor Ancel Keys told us that this essential food caused heart disease in his 7 countries study which has since been found to be full of holes by many experts. Unfortunately his study is what our national nutrition guidelines are based upon.

High in Antioxidants: Flavanoids that protect blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent cancer are plentiful in chocolate. Dark chocolate also has Resveratrol which can protect against early aging and Alzheimer’s.

Heart Healthy: In studies dark chocolate has been shown to be anti-inflammatory helping reduce blood pressure and risk of stroke.

Cholesterol: In studies dark chocolate increased Hdl cholesterol. It is important to have a good Hdl to Ldl ratio and and Hdl about 60-80 is excellent. Watch this video about how cholesterol can be good for you. Most of the time high cholesterol is a sign of a excess inflammation in the body usually from food toxins like canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, grain consumption, or excessive carbohydrate intake.

Fiber: Dark chocolate can have over 10 grams of fiber in a 3.5 oz bar. This can help slow the impact of the carbohydrates and possibly improve digestion. Guidelines tell us to get 30 grams of fiber per day, which is easily attainable from vegetables and small amounts of fruit. Wouldn’t you rather get fiber from chocolate than All-Bran cereal?

Anxiety: Current studies show dark chocolate may even help people suffering from high levels of anxiety to reduce their stress hormone production.