What is the role of dark chocolate in health? What are the effects on inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and more? Find out in this presentation on the health benefits of dark chocolate.

1. Health Benefits of Dark
Chocolate
Dr. Alexander Rinehart, DC, MS, CCN, CNS
http://www.DrAlexRinehart.com

2. Chocolate Contains Flavonoids
 Flavonoids: Specific subset of antioxidant plant
compounds
 Cancer prevention
 Cardiovascular disease
 Digestive health
 Immune balance
 Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-aging
properties
 Found in dark chocolate, apples, red wine, green tea,
onions, and cranberries

3. Chocolate & Cancer
 Some evidence connects chocolate consumption with
anti-cancer properties
 Chocolate may affect cancer growth
 Suppresses pro-inflammatory cell messengers
 Demonstrates cancer-preventive effects due to antioxidant
potential
 Cocoa flavanols and procyanidins can be transported inside
the cell & may modulate cancer-related signaling.

4. Cocoa & Gut Health, Inflammation,
& Neurodegeneration
 May promote healthy gut bacteria
 Flavonoids from other foods have demonstrated
protective effects on GI integrity
 Anti-inflammatory
 Inverse correlation between flavonoid containing
foods & neurodegenerative diseases
 Flavonoids may offer anti-depressant properties

5. Chocolate & Heart Disease
 As chocolate consumption increases, coronary
heart disease decreases (correlation or
causation?)
 Cocoa fat is comprised of stearic acid which does
not negatively effect cholesterol levels
 May reduce LDL and total cholesterol
 May play an indirect role in reduction of all-cause
mortality

6. Conclusion
Numerous research reviews support that
dark chocolate intake may positively
influence oxidative stress, inflammation,
vessel function, immunity, detoxification,
and nitric oxide production – and may exert
protective effects on blood pressure,
insulin resistance, lipid profile and platelet
activation.

7.  To read the full discussion please visit:
http://dralexrinehart.com/nutrition-benefits/
health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate/
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