Have you ever heard of chocolate eating bacteria? Before your imagination runs wild, let me tell you these bacteria are not found in any remote corner of the globe. But inside your tummy, interested? Good, then read on…..
More about chocolate eating bacteria
Researchers looked at the effects of dark chocolate on various types of bacteria in the stomach. Basically, there are two kinds of microbes in the gut- the good ones and the mean ones.
The good microbes Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria gobble up the dark chocolate, ferment it and produce anti-inflammatory compounds which are good for your heart.
These compounds are absorbed by the body and they reduce the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue. This serves to cut down the long term danger of stroke.
How to increase the efficiency of these bacteria
Researchers say that when you eat prebiotics the good bacteria increase in numbers and out numberthe bad ones.
Humans cannot digest certain prebiotics– which are carbohydrates found in raw garlic and cooked whole wheat flour, and the good bacteria like this stuff. Dietary supplements are also good for these bacteria. They flourish and their populations increase.
Scientists say that when you combine prebiotics with dark chocolate the health benefitsare more. They advise you to eat pomegranates and Acai to maximize the health benefits obtained due to dark chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Health Benefits..
Earlier studies have said that dark chocolate….
· Restores flexibility of arteries and prevents sticking of white blood cells to the walls. These two factors play a major role in atherosclerosis.
· If you eat an ounce and half of dark chocolate for two weeks you can reduce the level of stress hormones in your body, if you have high stress levels.
· Eating dark chocolate on a daily basis can reduce heart attacks and strokes in people with metabolic syndrome- a cluster of factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
After hearing all this, won’t it be good if you stock up your fridge with different varieties of dark chocolate and enjoy it on a daily basis? I have attached a YouTube video about making dark chocolate! Get creative and try your hand at chocolate making!
Take good care,
Swarnam
Photo by John Kasawa
Take care,
Swarnam
Swarnam