Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and slows down aging – scientists from Harvard

0

Ensuring a long and healthy life is a multifaceted and complex task. To date, research has shown that genetics and lifestyle factors affect life expectancy equally. But, according to some scientists, the inclusion of certain life-prolonging foods in the diet can overcome their genetic predisposition to premature death.

Dark chocolate contains a high enough level of antioxidants to significantly improve blood pressure and prevent diseases. Dark chocolate boasts a wide range of benefits, many of which increase the chances of living to old age.

Studies conducted at Harvard showed that people who ate chocolate lived a year longer than those who did not. . What's more, the results showed that those who ate three bars of chocolate per month had a 36 percent lower risk of premature death.

The research team found that regular consumption of dark chocolate was inversely associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease or cancer. The health benefits of dark chocolate are explained by its unique content of flavonoids, which have significant antioxidant properties.

As a rule, the higher the concentration of cocoa in dark chocolate, the more active substances it contains.

The anti-inflammatory properties of dark chocolate for brain health are also well known. Certain compounds in dark chocolate improve memory, concentration, reaction time, and problem-solving skills. These effects have been attributed to chocolate's flavonoids, which improve blood flow to the brain.