Yum V's Multi-Vitamin Plus Mineral Formula Milk Chocolate, 60 Count

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Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): A crucial vitamin for converting nutrients into energy, thiamine plays a vital role in maintaining the health of nerve cells.

Vitamin K: Just like in dark chocolate, Vitamin K in milk chocolate plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. Key Point: The existing research consistently shows that dark chocolate may modestly reduce blood pressure levels. May Help To Protect Skin Against UV DamageWhile it is possible to buy high flavanol chocolate products, they are much more expensive than the regular varieties on store shelves. Some forms of LDL cholesterol are more likely to oxidize, which happens if they react with free radicals in your body. Oxidation makes the LDL particle itself reactive and capable of damaging other tissues, such as the lining of the arteries in your heart. While chocolate, especially dark variants, is teeming with these beneficial nutrients, it’s essential to remember that it can also be calorie-dense and might contain added sugars and other additives. Is Chocolate Good for You? Other than tasting great, what are the benefits of eating dark chocolate? There are quite a few, let’s explore some of those wider dark chocolate health benefits:

It’s also vital for muscles and nerve functionality and helps your immune and skeletal systems stay strong. 5 Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response to germs and other harmful substances. However, chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues and may increase the risk of some health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. According to Clemson University, one ounce of dark chocolate contains 150 calories; the majority of which are sugar and fat. The health benefits of dark chocolate come primarily from the flavanols present in the cacao solids. Oxidized LDL can form highly reactive molecules, and it is thought to promote atherosclerosis – the development of arterial plaque that leads to heart disease ( 13, 14, 15, 16).

Warning

Because many of these studies are observational, the results could be skewed by people underreporting their chocolate intake. The studies are also limited in that they can’t directly establish cause and effect.

The flavanols in cocoa are thought to increase insulin sensitivity, which over the long run might reduce the risk of diabetes. Dark chocolate does have some components that offer health benefits. But it's fairly high in calories, fat, and added sugar. As with many foods, it's best if you eat it in moderation. It has less sugar than milk chocolate, so it's the better choice of the two. Dark Chocolate Health Benefits It is important to note that cocoa loses some of its polyphenol compounds as it is processed into cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate through the manufacturing processes. Processing cocoa not only reduces some of its most beneficial compounds but may also add sugar, milk, and cocoa butter, a processed form of the cocoa bean. Calcium: Vital for bone health, present in significant amounts especially in milk chocolate due to its milk content.

Flavonoids do mop up the free radicals in your body and can prevent the furring of arteries," confirms Toni Steer, a nutrition scientist at Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge. "However, a richer source of antioxidants would be brightly coloured fruit and vegetables." The British Heart Foundation also believes these claims are overhyped. "There is some evidence that small quantities of dark chocolate might have short-term beneficial effects on the circulation," says Judy O'Sullivan, a cardiac nurse at the BHF. "But it is important to remember that chocolate is far more often part of the problem for heart health than the solution." American Heart Association: "Are there health benefits from chocolate?" "How much sugar is too much?" Although dark chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants and minerals, it is usually also high in sugar and fat, which makes it a very calorie-dense food. This equates to around six small pieces or two large squares, depending on the size of the chocolate bar.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Involved in the body’s energy production, thiamine is essential for converting nutrients into energy and ensuring nerve cells function correctly. Both cacao and dark chocolate have a high level of antioxidants and flavonoids," says Patel. “Cacao powder on its own contains minimal sugar and is often not processed to the degree of dark chocolate. But when it's combined with sugar and fat to make dark chocolate, this can take away from some of the health benefits."Research published in the Antioxidants & Redox Signaling Journal, revealed that dark chocolate that has a cocoa content of 70% or more contains antioxidants, fibre, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Crichton, G. E., et al. (2016). Chocolate intake is associated with better cognitive function: The Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study [Abstract].