Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Seniors

Chocolate has the credit of being a sweet and sinful treat that is full of calories and sugar. But according to research, by consuming chocolate there may be surprising health benefits.

There are many different benefits from eating chocolate. It contains antioxidants that help your immune system by lowering the risk of infection. We have listed additional benefits of eating chocolate below.

Recently a study was conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway that showed that there is a connection between the brain function of elderly and chocolate cocoa. To find this information, they did a cognitive study before and after they ate chocolate. The results afterwards were better after eating small amounts of chocolate. It has also been discovered that dark chocolate, especially, was helpful in treating dementia and strokes. 

Further studies have shown that chocolate can also be beneficial for the heart. The results from different studies have shown that elders who typically eat chocolate were less likely to die after having their first heart attack. These results were found by giving patients a questionnaire after they had a confirmed heart attack to be able to track how much chocolate was eaten by the patients.

When utilized in moderation, this yummy treat has some very important health advantages for elders which are listed below.

Good For The Heart - Chocolate improves blood flow which also decreases the chance of blood clots in elders. By boosting blood flow, both the heart and the brain will always have an adequate flow of blood to keep them working properly. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate protect cells from free racists, which are unpredictable molecules that damage the body's cells and organs. Flavonoids also reduce blood pressure and can reduce LDL cholesterol up to 10%.

Good For Your Brain - Eating dark chocolate increases blood flow not only to the heart but also to the brain, which raises alertness and performance for as long as three hours. This mouthwatering confection also produces a release of neurotransmitters (endorphins) which "speaks" to the brain, supporting positive moods and building new memories. Just a few bites of dark chocolate is enough for the chemical dopamine to be released which helps elders to recall people and events.

Helps Control Blood Sugar -By keeping your veins healthy, dark chocolate aids to guard elders against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids enhance the production of nitric oxide which supports reduce insulin resistance. It helps by assisting in cell normal function and using your body's insulin efficiently. This unique variety of chocolate also has an economical glycemic index which blocks huge spikes in blood sugar levels that can be very risky.

Reduces Stress - A Swiss study discovered that eating just 40 g of dark chocolate every day significantly decreases levels of cortisol in elders, which is a stress hormone. It also includes the chemical serotonin which functions as an antidepressant.