Sure, chocolate contains a compound that can mimic orgasm, and that kind of happiness surely does wonders for a woman’s wellness; however, antioxidant flavonoids in chocolate are the stars of recent results from research on various women’s health issues.
If women are all heart, then there is no wonder they often crave chocolate. Regular intake of dark chocolate has been linked with positive effects on blood pressure, insulin resistance, and vascular and platelet function. Swiss researchers (who probably have chocolate in their genes) found dark chocolate (40 g, 70 percent cocoa) induced coronary vasodilation, improved coronary vascular function and decreased platelet adhesion (clogging) in heart transplant patients two hours after consumption (Circulation. 2007;116(21):2360-2). University of Illinois researchers showed eating two bars (22 g total) of flavanol-rich CocoaVia, from Mars Co., a day not only lowered cholesterol, but also lowered systolic blood pressure (J Nutr. 2008 Apr;138(4):725-31). They theorized the cholesterol reduction was due to plant sterols infused in the bars, while the blood pressure benefits were due to the natural flavanols content. Ever the chocolate cardiologists, the Swiss produced additional research showing adding flavanol-rich chocolate to the diet reversed vascular dysfunction in diabetes patients (J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(22):2150-2).
Many pregnant women wonder if consuming chocolate is good or bad during pregnancy. New research suggests consuming chocolate during pregnancy may lower the risk of preeclampsia (Epidemiol. 2008;19(3):459-64).
And while women typically experience chocolate cravings at the onset of their period, new research is looking into the effect of dark chocolate on PMS symptoms. They already know chocolate can help improve mood and stress problems, and data is now revealing flavonoids in cocoa may protect the brain from oxidative stress, improving cognitive function.
What other reasons do women need to make their chocolate consumption more regular?