How could dark chocolate, especially its flavonoids, be healthful?
• Flavonoids are antioxidants that protect from injury caused by free radicals • Enhanced nitric oxide production, leading to relaxation of arteries (vasodilation), leading to reduced blood pressure: up to 6 mmHg systolic and 3 mmHg diastolic • Elevation of HDL cholesterol, with no effect on total and LDL cholesterol • Inhibition of platelet aggregation and activation, leading to fewer blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes • Decreased inflammation • Reduction of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation • Decreased neutrophil (white blood cell) activation. White blood cells play a role in inflammation • Decreased LDL cholesterol oxidation, leading to fewer atherosclerotic complications • Improved function of the cells that line blood vessels (endothelium) • Possible enhanced insulin sensitivity • May act as anti-carcinogens and neuro-protective agents • May act as an antidepressant Note also that low-fat natural non-alkalized cocoa powder is also a rich source of antioxid
