Our health, wellbeing and most of all, our life expectancy has a lot to do with the foods we eat or snack on.
That doesn’t mean you should be deprived of enjoying delicious options. In fact, when eaten in moderation, there are a number of delicious treats that not only protect the heart but also reduce age-related illnesses.
It has been suggested through studies that dark chocolate can increase longevity and is good for the heart. It has also been researched that dark chocolate eaters lived about a year longer than those who did not.
The research carried out on Harvard graduates, found that those who ate one to three bars per month had the best results, with a 36% lower risk of premature death.
There are a number of science-backed physical health benefits of dark chocolate, many of which actually link chocolate with longevity.
Dark chocolate is a nutritious treat, produced from the seeds of the cocoa tree. The bitter taste of the chocolate comes from the high concentration of the cocoa on the bar.
A study found that dark chocolate consumers had a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In 2009, the study found that men who suffered a heart attack were 66% less likely to die from another heart attack in the next nine years when consuming dark chocolate in moderation.
There are minerals like iron and magnesium that are also consumed with every bite. Researchers believe it’s the flavonoids in dark chocolate that maintain heart health thanks to its high polyphenol content that drives its other health benefits.
Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, have recently been in the spotlight when researchers discovered their many health benefits.
New findings from the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd. show that polyphenols can break down into molecules that help beneficial microorganisms found in the digestive system. In short, they can promote gut health, which is increasingly recognized as vital for our overall well-being.
Coffee, tea, red wine, legumes, Olives and Berries are other foods rich in polyphenols helping with longevity and age-related diseases.
