The largest effect is obviously achieved with 90% dark chocolate. It contains many antioxidant substances and flavonols. These substances are intended to diminish insulin resistance and help with weight regulation. In this study, 30 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 27 years ate 20 g chocolate every day for 30 days. One half ate chocolate at 90%, the other half ate chocolate at 55% cocoa content. Before and after the experiment, their heart frequency and artery stiffness were measured. Other foods with large quantities of flavonols such as wine, tea and berries should be left out so that they do not influence the study. In the study, the systolic blood pressure of the subjects that ate the chocolate with 90% cocoa content dropped by an average of 3.5 mmHg – for the subjects that ate the 55% cocoa content, their blood pressure reduced by 2.3 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure reduced by 2.3 mmHg and 1.7 mmHg respectively. The subjects with 90% cocoa content also had an improved pulse rate and ventricular-arterial coupling. The heart structure did not change; which may be due to the short period of the study.

 Practical tip from the editors: Cocoa nibs are pure cocoa bean pieces. You could, for example, add it to your morning cereal. Therefore, you can take advantage of cocoa without sugar.

Source: heilpraxisnet.de 6.4.2019