With the
increasing number of cardiovascular problems, many people want to learn about
ways to reduce heart disease. Here
is some good news for all those chocolate lovers out there. Health geeks too would
also be delighted with the finding that a daily dose of chocolate can become
part of a heart disease prevention diet. Does this sound too good to be true? Who
would have thought that something as scrumptious as chocolate would ever be
considered healthy? This comes as a surprise to most of us but thankfully it’s
a pleasant one.
Major causes of heart diseases?
When the
walls of arteries become thicker, blood flow to the organs is restricted
resulting in a series of cardiovascular problems. Some people are born with
conditions that expose them to the risk of heart attack. While in other
circumstances, problems arise due to unhealthy lifestyle options. Smoking, poor
diets and lack of exercise all lead to cardiovascular problems.
Tobacco is
known for its injurious effects for the heart. It leads to the buildup of a
waxy substance in the arteries which thickens them and makes them narrow,
restricting the flow of blood to and away from the heart. This can lead to
chest pains and heart attack. Lack of physical activity is also a major cause
of heart problems. Being physically active reduces the risk of heart attacks.
Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves the circulation of blood,
preventing blood clots that could cause heart attacks or complete heart
failure. A 30 minute daily walk is enough to kick start an active and healthy
lifestyle and secure oneself from the risk of heart disease.
Diet is an
essential risk factor which should be taken into consideration. A diet which consists
of fried and processed foods causes high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes
which in turn are linked to corollary heart disease. While saturated fats are
harmful for the heart, poly saturated and natural fats found in nuts, seeds and
fish are beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart.
Ways to reduce heart disease
Consuming
foods with a high fat and sugar content causes obesity which is closely linked
to cardiovascular disease. However, eating chocolate which was previously not
encouraged is now believed to work as a cure. According to recent research, it
has been shown that eating chocolate daily can improve heart health. A little
indulgence in this case does not harm your health. Instead, it actually
improves it and strengthens the heart. A positive correlation is said to exist
between eating chocolate and lower blood pressure, improved blood flow and the prevention
of blood clots. These benefits help in the maintenance of a balanced cardio
vascular system and a healthy heart.
While chocolate
seems to do wonders for the heart, it is important to know how much of it
should be consumed. Researchers have not come up with a fixed dose but it is
suggested that a daily intake of 200 grams of chocolate does the trick. Eating
too much would cause other health problems like obesity and increased levels of
cholesterol due to the high sugar content of milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is
therefore believed to be a better option as compared to milk chocolate due to
its low sugar and fat content. Dark chocolate also has a greater flavonoid
content. Flavonoids which are found in cocoa are believed to improve heart
health and prevent the development of heart issues.
Heart disease prevention diet
Although
there is no magic recipe for eliminating the risk of corollary heart disease,
certain measures help in the maintenance of a healthy heart. It is essential to
eat a balanced diet accompanied with adequate exercise. Foods which reduce the
risk of heart disease include fish containing omega 3 fatty acids which reduce
cholesterol and improve the flow of blood. Vegetable oils, fresh fruits and
vegetables, fibre, soy, nuts and seeds should also be consumed as they are
known to have various benefits for the heart.
Chocolate and heart health
Research
suggests that dark chocolate when eaten in moderation improves heart health. A
daily intake of chocolate is associated with a decrease in blood pressure
levels. It was also found to lower the risk of cardio metabolic disorders which
cause heart disease and diabetes. The substance responsible for protecting the
heart are flavonoids which are a class of anti-oxidants found in chocolate in
large amounts. Other foods which contain flavonoids are fruits and vegetables,
tea, coffee and cocoa. Various studies have tried to find whether flavonoid
consumption is an important dietary factor in relation to heart disease. Most
studies show a positive correlation between intake of flavonoids and a healthy
cardio vascular system. Those people who consumed the lowest amount of flavonoids
were more prone to heart attack and other health issues. Those who consumed
enough flavonoids had healthier arteries and were more likely to be protected
against health problems.
Based on the
findings of such studies, it can be stated that chocolate with its high
flavonoid content has many benefits. Although there is no direct evidence that
chocolate is the cause of protection, there are a range of benefits that can be
associated consuming chocolate in moderate amounts. Physicians may not be
prescribing chocolate to their patients yet but they are certainly not opposed
to the idea of consuming chocolate. Instead, people are being encouraged to eat
a moderate amount of chocolate on a daily basis.
Although
chocolate has been found to have useful effects on heart health, it is
important to be keep a few things in mind. The health benefits of chocolate are
to be found in the natural product cocoa. Chocolate in its processed form is
packed with loads of sugars and other substances which can cause obesity if
taken in excess. If one is consuming
chocolate, it should be carefully balanced with an active lifestyle which
includes exercise and a healthy diet. Taking a daily dose of chocolate with a
low sugar content can reduce heart disease and improve overall health.
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