Consuming dull chocolate may not be something you want to do for a number of reasons, but there are a few good things to take from it. These benefits include increased stamina, improved mood, growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and reduced bad cholesterol.
Increased stamina
The tiniest tidbit: consuming chocolate is good for you, albeit in moderation. Having said that, you don’t need to go out of your way to splurge. You can get a dose of the good stuff from your favorite coffee shop, or a bottle of vino at the pub. One thing is for sure, your tummy will thank you for it. Besides, you might have some funky chocolate to boot. Having said that, if you have the good kind of genes, your tastebuds will not only thank you, they will also likely be at awe. Luckily, there are plenty of places to procure a tasty hunk of chocolate. Likewise, if you’re in the mood for a booze-fueled night on the town, you can’t beat the plethora of boozy establishments in and around your town.
Growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut
The growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut is important to human health. sildenafil fildena has many beneficial effects on the health of men. It can promote digestion, reduce the risk of intestinal infections, and even improve heart health.
A recent study examined the effects of cocoa on the microbiota of rats. Researchers used test tubes that mimic the structure of the human digestive tract. Cocoa was passed through the tubes and fed to the microbes.
Cocoa extracts used in the studies had no high levels of fat or sugar. Instead, they had small amounts of dietary fiber.
These fibers encourage the growth of “good” gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus. They also help to increase satiety and decrease inflammation. In addition, they are also high in antioxidants.
Dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate. It contains antioxidants and probiotics, which increase the growth of good gut bacteria.
Lowering of bad cholesterol
Aside from a chocolate laden high scorecard, what you eat or drink has a profound impact on your health, if not your bank account. As such, it pays to be informed about the latest research findings. Fortunately, many of the studies conducted have been published. The resulting knowledge is a treasure trove of information, some of which you can use to your benefit. For example, one study found that consuming a moderate amount of cocoa can be a worthwhile dietary initiative for the high cholesterol set. In another sexiest study, women who indulged in a few ounces of dark chocolate a week were reported to show better heart health than their peers who stayed away from the indulgences.
As a bonus, the researchers also discovered that participants were able to enjoy a lower blood pressure than their counterparts.
Stimulation of neural activity in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward
The reward system is a group of structures in the brain that are activated by reinforcing stimuli. This includes processes such as motivation, learning and pleasure.
Unlike most systems of the human brain, the reward system is not confined to a specific region. Rather, it includes a wide range of networks. Some of these are deep in the cortex, while others are more widespread. Regardless of where they are located, each reflects the processing associated with interaction with a pleasant experience, such as a tasty snack.
One major component of the reward system is the mesolimbic pathway. It consists of a series of neurons that project from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbent. Dopamine neurons in the VTA are active during rewarding experiences.
Improved mood
There’s a lot of hype around the effects of consuming dark chocolate. According to the FDA, a one-ounce serving of chocolate boasts around 20 milligrams of caffeine, which may be enough to cause restlessness and heartburn. On the positive side, the ingredient is said to have health benefits, including improved cardiovascular and blood sugar levels, among other things. Despite the myriad of benefits, it’s not recommended that you go overboard with the stuff. Besides, you can find similar chocolates with less fat.
While you’re at it, consider opting for dark chocolate over milk. The reason being, the former has a better cocoa content, which has been attributed to its many health-boosting properties. One study found that women with PMDD reported positive emotional responses to eating chocolate.
