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How Healthy Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Really Are?

We know that chocolates have great benefits for our health. Dark chocolates in fact are good anti-oxidants and also believed to help relax blood pressure and lower bad cholesterol. Dark chocolate is good for your heart. Hershey's Center for Health and Nutrition has announced the publication of a study that shows resveratrol, a compound often associated with the health benefits of red wine, is also found in cocoa and dark chocolate products.


But what exactly is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a very potent antioxidant compound produced by certain fruits and vegetables including grapes, raspberries, mulberries and peanuts.
Resveratrol is different from nearly all antioxidants because it can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your brain and nervous system.


Studies show that Resveratrol may increase the lifespan in human cells, so it could be a key to extending your longevity. Resveratrol reduces oxidative stress damage to your cardiovascular system by neutralizing free radicals, and helps support your body’s natural defenses.


Resveratrol benefits you in many ways, including:

• Protecting your cells from free radical damage
• Inhibiting the spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer
• Lowering your blood pressure
• Keeping your heart healthy and improving elasticity in your blood vessels
• Normalizing your anti-inflammatory response


There is also evidence that resveratrol can slow down the signs of aging and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.


Read and learn more about Resveratrol and the benefits of Chocolates:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/10/28/resveratrol-also-found-in-dark-chocolate-and-cocoa.aspx
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.womensarticles.com/article_678302_23.html
Dr. Joseph Mercola is the founder of the number 1 Natural Health Information website - www.mercola.com and publisher of the FREE Mercola.com health newsletter - http://www.mercola.com/forms/newsletter_subscribe.htm .
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