Two Surprising Ingredients Turn Chocolate Into a Flavor Explosion and Help Reduce Inflammation and Prevent Aging | Health | Journal

AdminJuly 7, 2024

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Two Surprising Ingredients Turn Chocolate Into a Flavor Explosion and Help Reduce Inflammation and Prevent Aging | Health | Journal

Chocolate has as many followers as it has enemies. There are those who accuse it of being one of the foods with the highest calorie content, therefore it contributes to weight gain and obesity.

The Reason Why Dark Chocolate Helps Lower High Blood Pressure. How and When to Eat It?

According to Medical News Today, there are also those who have found some health benefits of cocoa based on numerous studies, such as in controlling cholesterol levels, preventing cognitive decline, and lowering blood pressure.

Cocoa has been widely studied in science, as the custom of consuming it has existed since ancient times. Photo: Patricia Sandoval/EL UNIVERSO Photo: Patricia Sandoval

This latter group includes epigenetics and longevity expert Natalie Marcus, who, through her social media and various speaking engagements, offers a trick to help you get the most out of chocolate.

Why should chocolate be included in your daily diet?

This delicious nutrient is made up primarily of flavonoids, which “improve heart function and blood flow, so scientists believe they may also benefit the tiny blood vessels in the brain,” the aforementioned media outlet points out.

Dark or dark chocolate provides the greatest health benefits without altering cholesterol levels. Photo: Daisy Gangalo

Similarly, a study conducted in the US National Library of Medicine notes that “the antioxidant effects of cocoa may directly impact insulin resistance and, in turn, reduce the risk of developing diabetes.”

It’s also linked to boosting the immune system, preventing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and may even improve mood in the short term.

How should you eat chocolate to be healthy?

While the best chocolates are those that contain milk or other nutrients, the nutritionist mentioned above recommends one that contains 80% cocoa and no added sugar.

Be careful not to confuse it with any kind of chocolate, as it should be the bitterest and darkest you can find on the market. Photo: Freepik

Marcus suggests adding a teaspoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, which will enhance the flavor and ingredients.

“Olive oil is a polyphenol, which is an antioxidant that boosts cocoa, helps stop inflammation, makes your cells regenerate and live longer,” he noted during a conversation with Marco Antonio Regil on his YouTube podcast.

Plus, they’ll boost cocoa’s magnesium and tryptophan levels, which are converted into serotonin to improve mood.

(HEY)