Chocolate is one of life’s most decadent treats. However, not all chocolate is created equal. Some can trigger asthma in people with allergies or irritant reactions.
Choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage and no added sugar, milk or artificial flavorings. Look for fair-trade and organic options. Avoid chocolate that is processed using alkali, also known as Dutching.
1. Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of dark chocolate help to reduce the swelling of the airways that causes asthma. When you have an asthma attack, swollen airways limit the flow of oxygen to your body. This can cause you to cough and wheeze. Your lungs also produce extra mucus which is difficult to clear. These conditions can be exacerbated by eating sweets and other fatty foods.
The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate the production of nitric oxide in your body, which helps to relax your blood vessels and improves blood flow. This can protect against heart disease and lower your blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory effects of dark chocolate also decrease the amount of cholesterol that clogs your arteries and can prevent clots from forming.
Research has shown that regular dark chocolate consumption reduces levels of a marker of inflammation called C-reactive protein, or CRP. This is a very important finding because this marker is a very strong predictor of the risk of cardiovascular disease. In one study, researchers found that a high-flavonoid diet, including chocolate, was associated with lower CRP concentrations, even after controlling for sex, age and other factors.
Inflammation is also a contributing factor in allergic asthma, which can be triggered by food, pollen and other allergens. When your immune system detects these allergens, it produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E or IgE that binds to cells and releases powerful chemicals such as histamine. Histamine causes the airways to swell and produce extra mucus that is hard to clear.
Inflammation and oxidative stress can increase your risk for certain cancers, as well as chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The Levolin inhaler is an effective asthma treatment. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can combat oxidative stress, as well as prevent the development of tumors by inhibiting cancerous cell growth.
2. Reduces Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help your body produce nitric oxide, which in turn causes your blood vessels to relax. This improves blood flow and lowers your blood pressure levels, which can reduce the inflammation associated with asthma.
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s immune response to germs and other harmful substances, but long-term inflammation can contribute to certain health conditions, including asthma. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help reduce inflammation and the damage caused by free radicals.
A regular diet of high-quality dark chocolate can also help prevent the onset of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. It can help reduce insulin resistance and promote a healthier gut microbiome, according to research published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. In addition, it can significantly improve inflammatory biomarkers in people with type 2 diabetes, according to another study published in the same journal.
The chemicals in dark chocolate can stimulate areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward, which can decrease stress and improve mood. These effects are due to a compound called theobromine, which is found in cocoa and can be found in small amounts in dark chocolate.
If you choose to eat dark chocolate, make sure it is made from natural cocoa rather than refined sugar. This will ensure that you get the most beneficial health benefits. Look for a label that states the percentage of cocoa in the chocolate. The higher the cocoa percentage, the more benefits it will have.
It is important to remember that dark chocolate is high in fat and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation. In order to get the most benefit from dark chocolate, it is best incorporated into a healthy eating plan that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
3. Reduces Heart Disease
Studies have shown that high-flavanoid dark chocolate promotes nitric oxide production in the body, which helps to improve blood flow. This in turn reduces the amount of oxygen needed during moderate exercise, which can help keep the heart healthy. The flavonoids found in cocoa beans also prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood, which can reduce the risk of clots and stroke.
Regular consumption of dark chocolate can also help to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure. This is due to the flavanols found in cocoa beans that can relax the muscles of the blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. Cocoa beans also contain soluble fibre, which helps to regulate blood pressure.
In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, dark chocolate can also boost athletic performance by increasing energy levels and enhancing recovery after exercise. The epicatechin in dark chocolate stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide, which helps to support circulation and increase the flow of blood to your muscles, allowing you to train harder for longer.
A small amount of dark chocolate can also help to lower your stress level, which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease. This is because it triggers the release of a chemical in the brain that acts as a natural stress-reducer.
Choose dark chocolate that has a high cocoa percentage and avoid unnecessary ingredients, such as milk, artificial flavorings and sugar. It is also important to avoid dark chocolate that has been Dutch-processed, as this can remove some of the beneficial flavanols. Look for a chocolate labeled as Fair Trade, which ensures that the cocoa has been grown, harvested and transported using sustainable and ethical practices.
4. Reduces Cholesterol
Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants. These are molecules that protect cells from damage and help reduce inflammation. They can also help lower blood pressure and improve the health of the heart. It is best to choose dark chocolate that has a high cocoa solids content and less sugar. Aim for 20 g of dark chocolate a day to reap the benefits.
The flavanols found in dark chocolate can relax your blood vessels, which can help lower your blood pressure. They can also prevent white blood cells from sticking to artery walls, which can cause blockages. In addition, they can help lower the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) that can increase your risk for cardiovascular problems.
Antioxidants in dark chocolate can also reduce the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which is one of the main causes of heart disease. They can also help lower the level of triglycerides in your blood.
Cholesterol is an important part of your body’s immune system, but too much can lead to clogged arteries and a heart attack or stroke. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your cholesterol levels low.
A study found that people who ate more dark chocolate had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which is known as “good” cholesterol. The study also found that dark chocolate can lower your triglycerides and blood pressure.
Another way that dark chocolate can be helpful is that it contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both bronchodilators. This means that they can help reduce the symptoms of asthma by opening up your airways. However, this is only a mild effect and it should not be used to replace actual treatment.
5. Reduces Weight
Incorporating dark chocolate into your diet can help reduce the symptoms of asthma by improving blood flow to the lungs. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Chocolate is high in calories and fat, so it’s important to balance your intake with healthy food items like lean proteins and whole grains.
The flavanol in dark chocolate stimulates your body to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes your blood vessels and improves blood flow. This can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This compound also helps improve cognition by increasing blood flow to your brain.
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress on the body, which may help prevent a number of chronic diseases. However, it’s important to note that dark chocolate is also high in fat and calories, so eating it too often can cause weight gain and other health problems.
Cocoa powder and cacao nibs are healthier choices than commercially produced dark chocolate because they contain less saturated fat and added sugar. They’re also higher in fibre, which can help manage your weight and lower your cholesterol levels.
Before consuming dark chocolate, check the label to ensure that it doesn’t contain ingredients you’re allergic to or that interfere with your medications. Caffeine in chocolate can trigger an asthma attack and increase your heart rate, which can be dangerous if you have coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Excessive consumption of chocolate can also lead to over-breathing, or hyperventilation, which causes your body to blow off too much carbon dioxide and can cause anxiety. Theobromine in chocolate is related to the chemical theophylline, which was used as a treatment for asthma during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
