Before you run out and stock up on chocolate bars, read the whole article please. Yes! Wow! Yes!
There really ARE health benefits of chocolate, and it CAN be a part of a weight loss program. There are a few things to know first.
First we talk about the boring stuff...free radicals, antioxidants, and flavonoids:
Free radicals:
These little rascals, I mean radicals, are unstable atoms or groups of atoms that occur in the body as a result of everyday atomic processes in reaction to such intrusive things as pollution, cigarette smoke, and sunlight.
They are a natural part of the process of being alive, but they can damage cells, and research seems to implicate them,at least to some extent, in the growth of cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes, cataracts, and other problems related to age.
Antioxidants:
The free radicals are unstable because they have lost an electron, and they begin to steal electrons from other atoms and molecules within the body. This creates more free radicals and more damage, even to the DNA itself. Antioxidants have an extra electron to spare and lend it to the free radicals, thereby stopping their destructive rampage.
The antioxidants will also turn the free radical into a waste product, allowing it to be flushed (no pun intended) from the body. There are many antioxidants, but some of the more common sources are vitamins C & E. They are also available in many fruits and vegetables.
Flavonoids:
Flavonoids are pretty common throughout nature. As you may have guessed, they are also antioxidants. They are found in all kinds of stuff,such as red wine, tea, and beer...AND...Chocolate! Oh yeah! You can also eat the fruits and veggies mentioned above and get them, but chocolate's more fun, right?
NOW THE BAD NEWS ABOUT CHOCOLATE
Not all chocolate is created equal...at least in the finished product. The more processing that is involved generally removes more of the flavonoids. Therefore, dark chocolate probably contains the most flavonoids and provides the most antioxidant qualities.
Unfortunately, chocolate by itself doesn't taste too good, so to make it palatable, fats and sugars are added from store bought. Those are the really bad things about chocolate, particularly if you are on a diet or in some other type of weight loss program.
A Chocolate Hint:
Don't replace healthy foods with store bought chocolate. Get your self some Healthy Dark Chocolate.
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John Soulliere is a Co-Author With Anthony Robbins, Dr.Wayne Dyer. From The Best selling Seris
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