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Post by sharon on Jun 18, 2013 2:33:49 GMT 9.5
First it had health benefits, now it's got skin benefits too! How can we avoid temptation now...
There we were, all proud of ourselves for avoiding chocolate for the last few days (that bag of Galaxy bubbles doesn't count) and then we hear this latest news...that chocolate not only improves your mood, it also acts like a mild sunscreen. It's basically a health food then, right?
German researchers set up a trial where 24 women had to add cocoa to their breakfasts every day for three months. Half of the women drank hot cocoa that was rich in flavonoids, a natural plant-based antioxidant, and the other half drank cocoa that had little or no flavonoid. The volunteers skin was tested against UV light before and after the trial.
The results were striking. The skin of the women who had drunk the antioxidant-rich cocoa did not redden as much as the women who had drunk the alternative. They also reported smoother and moister skin than the others.
According to the June Journal of Nutrition, the women drinking the high-flavonoid cocoa had 15% less skin reddening from UV light after six weeks of cocoa consumption and 25% less after 12 weeks.
So how much chocolate do we have to consume to get the benefit? According to the study, around 100 grams of dark chocolate should suffice.
However, don't skip the sunscreen just yet. Yes, the idea of sunbathing while munching on a chocolate bar (for its medicinal benefits) is pure heaven, but it won't stop you from burning. Chocolate, plus other antioxidant-rich foods such as tomatoes, oranges, olive oil and nuts all help to protect the skin but they can't beat a good sun cream when it comes to keeping you safe in the sun.
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Post by parkerdivine on Dec 13, 2013 19:22:16 GMT 9.5
If this is the case, then the chocolates I've had so far this pre-Christmas season should have me good for June, July, August and September. Man, I really have to stop eating chocolate
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Post by Epi on Dec 15, 2013 9:31:06 GMT 9.5
If chocolate is what you like then eat it. After seeing 4 very fit and healthy people suffering from cancer and the affects of cancer treatment this year I'm not sure healthy living is all it's made out to be.
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Post by Mrs Chips on Feb 18, 2014 17:08:06 GMT 9.5
I agree with you there Epi. My son who was fairly healthy died a few years ago of the same thing his dad survived in 1997. Paul had adissecting aortic aneurism and wasnt expected to live but as you know did whereas Adrian died.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2014 0:50:20 GMT 9.5
I've known that chocolate improves my mood for sure! It's a good pick me up!
Well, when I go to Myrtle Beach this summer, I'll be sure to stock up on some chocolate so I don't get too burnt!
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Post by Epi on Mar 16, 2014 6:45:27 GMT 9.5
I'm supportive of this health benefit!
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