r arteries and promote healthy blood circulation. (9)
Some researchers have reported that moderate consumption of foods containing antioxidant flavonoids like dark chocolate can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. (10)
One study from Sweden found that people who regularly ate dark chocolate had less chance of suffering from heart failure. (11)
Some researchers also suggest that consuming flavonoid-rich chocolate products could lower your risk of a stroke. (11)
Of course, there are many lifestyle choices that help to lower your risk of a heart attack. Regularly eating a small amount of dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao could help to improve your heart and vascular health.
Cacao Powder May Help Lower Blood Pressure
The high levels of flavanols in cacao powder also help to lower your blood pressure naturally.
Research into cocoa flavanols has found that they have an anti-hypertension effect in the body. Researchers found that drinks containing high levels of flavanols caused a significant decrease in blood pressure in people between ages 50 and 80. (12)
Another study also found that flavanols caused significant improvements in many markers of cardiovascular health. The flavanol-rich drinks helped to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by around 4 mmHg. (12)
One study from Japan found that the benefits of consuming dark chocolate include lowering blood pressure. (13)
A review of 35 trials on the effects of cocoa flavanols on blood pressure found that consuming cocoa products containing between 30 and 1,200 mg flavanols helped reduce blood pressure by 2 mmHg. (14)
Find out about more natural ways you can bring your blood pressure down to healthy levels.
Cacao Powder Can Improve Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Antioxidant compounds in cacao powder like theobromine can help to boost your cognitive power.
A systematic review of studies published between 1970 and 2017 found that theobromine from cacao can help boost brain health. The antioxidant effect of cacao extracts can help to prevent or delay the onset of neurogenerative diseases. (15)
Another study found that a flavonoid called epicatechin in cocoa powder can have a positive effect on the brain. This antioxidant can help increase blood flow to the brain and prevent free radicals from destroying neurons in the brain. The study concluded that cocoa or dark chocolate can benefit brain health and cognitive abilities. (16)
Other studies have shown that dark chocolate can help to protect against nerve inflammation in the brain and can lower the risk of stroke. (16)
One study on humans found that flavonoid-rich cocoa products can have a direct effect on blood flow to the brain. The researchers suggested that the antioxidant effect of cocoa could have a protective effect against dementia. (17)
Daily consumption of cacao powder or cacao nibs could also benefit elderly people. Research has found that regular consumption of cocoa products rich in flavanols can help to increase blood flow to the brain and could help prevent dementia in the elderly. (18)
Apart from consuming raw cacao, learn about other ways you can improve your brain function and memory.
Cacao Powder Can Help Lift Mild Depression
Many people experience cravings for chocolate when they are depressed. Actually, consuming cacao powder or dark chocolate with a high cacao content could lift your mood.
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