Is Hershey dark chocolate good for your heart?

Most dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, particularly a subtype called flavanols that is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in adults.

heart.org - Are there health benefits from chocolate?

Is dark chocolate good for muscles?

Dark chocolate is also a rich source of magnesium, which helps reduce muscle cramps, and when consumed in a post-workout meal will aid in recovery...

Last updated Jun 12, 2021

Are onions as healthy as garlic?

But although they may not look like nutritional powerhouses, experts say they are. Onions of all colors (including white) are good sources of...

Last updated Feb 15, 2022

Promotion

(fcafotodigital, iStockphoto)

Every year, Americans spend $22 billion on chocolate, and it's a safe bet that Valentine's Day accounts for a decent percentage of that total. While a heart-shaped box of chocolates may seem like the opposite of healthy, experts say it's less about the occasional small indulgence and more about making good everyday food choices. Most chocolate falls into one of three categories: milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Chocolate's darkness is determined by the proportion of cocoa solids made from cocoa beans, mixed with cocoa butter and sugar. Milk chocolate, the most popular type in America, typically contains about 10 percent cocoa liquor – the paste made from ground, roasted, shelled and fermented cocoa beans that contains both nonfat cocoa solids and cocoa butter – compared with a minimum of 35 percent found in dark chocolate. Shoppers can tell how much cocoa liquor is in a dark chocolate bar by looking for the "percent cacao" figure on the label. Cacao is the raw form of chocolate, while cocoa is the heated version of cacao. White chocolate, however, contains only cocoa butter – no cocoa solids – combined with sugar and other ingredients. (And for many people, it's not really considered a chocolate at all.) A standard bar of dark chocolate with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao contains about 600 calories and 24 grams of sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient database. Milk chocolate contains roughly the same number of calories but twice the sugar. The amount of cocoa solids in dark chocolate is important because it can be an indicator of the amount of dietary flavonoids, which are antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables and certain drinks. Research suggests consuming more dietary flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Most dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, particularly a subtype called flavanols that is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in adults. "While dark chocolate has more flavanols than other types of chocolate, the data to suggest there is enough to have a health effect is thin at this point," said Alice H. Lichtenstein, the Gershoff professor of nutrition science and policy at Tufts University in Boston. In a 2017 study that closely controlled what people ate, researchers found that eating raw almonds, dark chocolate and cocoa helped lower "bad" LDL cholesterol in people who are overweight or obese. But when investigators took the almonds away, dark chocolate and cocoa alone didn't appear to aid heart health. A potential explanation, researchers said, is that the flavanol dose was about half that used in earlier studies that found a beneficial effect on blood pressure – 274 milligrams of flavanols compared to 586. But that amount of flavanols "is unlikely achievable with daily consumption of commercially available dark chocolate," Lichtenstein said. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston are currently studying whether a 600-mg daily supplement of cocoa flavanols can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. In the meantime, chocolate can still be part of an overall healthy diet. "If you enjoy chocolate," Lichtenstein said, "the important thing to do is choose the type you enjoy the most and eat it in moderation because you like it, not because you think it is good for you." If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

What is the healthiest form of tobacco?

There is no safe smoking option — tobacco is always harmful. Light, low-tar and filtered cigarettes aren't any safer — people usually smoke them...

Last updated Jan 16, 2018

What is a good sleeping heart rate by age?

A normal heart rate while sleeping is often between 40 to 50 beats per minute (bpm), though there is variability between individuals. ... Typical...

Last updated Jan 4, 2019

Promotion

Does peanut butter have melatonin?

Peanut butter also provides many micronutrients and is a good source of vitamin E. Additionally, it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which the body needs to make serotonin and melatonin . Both melatonin and serotonin help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promote quality sleep .

medicalnewstoday.com - Is it okay to eat peanut butter before bed? - Medical News Today

Peanut butter has many nutritional benefits. Eating a small amount of peanut butter as part of a healthy snack before bed may help improve sleep quality and prevent overeating and weight gain the following day. Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense, high-calorie food containing vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Eating a small amount of peanut butter before bed may improve the quality of sleep. For maximum health benefits, a person should choose a natural peanut butter that lists only peanuts in the ingredients. This article explores the nutritional value of peanut butter and how it may help sleep. It also looks at why sleep is important, how a lack of it can affect overall health, and the advantages and disadvantages of late-night snacking. Summary As part of a balanced diet, a small serving of peanut butter can be a nutritious choice for a nighttime snack. Combining this with a piece of fruit, such as an apple or banana, or vegetables, such as celery, increases the fiber content and nutritional value of the snack. Some research shows that eating a healthy snack close to bedtime can help promote restful sleep and regulate a person’s appetite, helping them maintain a moderate calorie consumption the next day. People should also aim to practice mindful eating and not become distracted while eating in the evenings to help them consume proper portion sizes and feel fuller in the hours before bedtime.

What is the life expectancy with advanced prostate cancer?

A decade ago, a man with metastatic prostate cancer would typically have a life expectancy of two to three years. Today, life expectancy for men...

Last updated Jan 6, 2018

What herbs should not be taken with blood pressure medicine?

Herbal remedies such as ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, black cohosh, St. John's wort, hawthorn, saw palmetto, and echinacea can dilute, intensify, or...

Last updated Dec 15, 2021

Promotion

What spice stabilizes blood sugar?

Cinnamon Cinnamon Cinnamon supplements are either made from whole cinnamon powder or an extract. Many studies suggest it helps lower blood sugar...

Last updated May 1, 2021

Promotion

Why we should not drink lemon water in the morning?

It can aggravate stomach problems and heartburn People who consume too many citrus fruits often suffer from gastrointestinal problems, heartburn,...

Last updated Feb 11, 2020