1-2 Pieces Of Dark Chocolate A Day Are Enough
Author: Maryam Ayres
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Due to the content of calories and unsaturated fats, it is not recommended to consume more than 1-2 pieces a day.
Cocoa is known to have a beneficial effect on health. A number of studies have shown its role in regulating blood pressure. Dark chocolate is considered to be especially good for the heart, it contains procyanidins, which help lower high blood pressure.
Due to the presence of antioxidants, the natural temptation is considered more useful than milk and white chocolate. However, like these two types, dark chocolate also contains calories and unsaturated fats, scientists warn.
For example, in 40 g of dark chocolate, which makes 4-7 pieces, with 85% cocoa content, there are 227 calories and 12 g of saturated fat - 60% of the daily limit.
Therefore, experts recommend consuming no more than 1-2 pieces per day.
A study by the University Hospital in Cologne shows that the desired effect on regulating blood pressure can be achieved with a small bar of chocolate, equal to about 30 calories. The researchers observed 44 people between the ages of 56 and 73 with prehypertension or first-degree hypertension.
The results show that chocolate eaters do not gain weight or blood sugar and lipid levels. However, the upper limit of blood pressure decreases by 2.9 mmHg, and the lower - by 1.9 mmHg. Lowering the upper limit by 3 mmHg reduces the risk of stroke by 8% and coronary heart disease by 5%.
Chocolate is useful, but in minimal quantities, scientists emphasize.
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