Cacao in chocolate has been shown to reduce the amount of both LDL (bad) and total cholesterol, which lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke, a popular blogger and doctor, Hazel Wallace says. Doctor Wallace is one of the many health experts that is promoting the intake of chocolates without guilt especially for the upcoming Valentine's Day. She posts healthy tips, including eating the decadent sweets, to help people get fit and reduce heart disease.
The young doctor and personal trainers also claim that chocolate is key to looking after your heart. “Cacao is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world because of its rich source of nutrients known as polyphenols,” Dr. Hazel says. She also tells her clients that flax seeds are heart-healthy superfood.
The seeds are full of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your good cholesterol. She recommends adding flaxseed and goji berries to porridge as it more than doubles your daily intake of Omega-3. However, she stresses that in order to feel happy and have a healthy heart at the same time, dark chocolate is the best, the Daily Express reports.
Dr. Hazel also attributes her positive well-being to eating the treats. In order to feel better after a long day, she highly recommends a moderate intake of the sweets to improve mood. In terms of the heart condition, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, polyphenols in cacao are abundant micronutrients in our diet and there is evidence for their role in the prevention of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.
According to The Sun, scientists found flavanols from cocoa assist the production of nitric oxide, aiding blood circulation. Just last month, food regulators approved the nutrient as a medicinal food. But for an effective dose, a person would have to eat 400g of dark chocolate.
