Do you like sweets? Many of you undoubtedly love chocolate, but your conscience always tells you to avoid frequent consumption. However, there’s no need to give in to fears of extra pounds, as dark chocolate in particular contains a substance that increases levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. If you are a chocolate lover, you can rejoice.

Study results

Everyone’s mind is fixed on what is good for the body and what is not. Eating chocolate is more likely to belong to the latter group, or so many people think. However, there is always a positive side to everything bad that induces balance. Although chocolate is perceived as unhealthy and a disruptor of ideal weight, it also offers health benefits. In particular, dark chocolate, which according to the latest study contains the nutrient theobromine, has an interesting effect: it slightly raises ‘good’ cholesterol levels.

The study measured people aged 40 to 55 suffering from obesity, overweight and metabolic syndrome, a set of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Respondents took dietary supplements containing theobromine for 12 weeks. During this time, they experienced a modest increase in HDL cholesterol.

Don't be afraid to consume dark chocolate. The cocoa content offers many health benefits. ━━ Don't be afraid to consume dark chocolate. The cocoa content offers many health benefits. ( Source: eternalcreative /  iStockphoto )

Cocoa as a beneficial helper

Theobromine is mainly found in cocoa, which is the main ingredient in chocolate. Cocoa is said to be a beneficial helper if you want to support your heart health. It has been studied for a long time for several health benefits due to the antioxidants it contains , especially flavanols. These help to reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels, which is particularly evident in lowering blood pressure, ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Theobromine also has similar stimulant functions to caffeine.

Summary

Dark chocolate is not a magic candy that will instantly rid you of health problems. However, you don’t have to be negative about eating it, as it can easily alleviate some health problems thanks to the substances it contains. However, in order to maintain your heart health, you need to follow regular habits that can be supplemented with helpers, which include dark chocolate. Scientists confirm that the theobromine it contains can slightly increase levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, while partly helping the body to manage fats more efficiently.