Dark Chocolate Cholesterol Benefits

The dark chocolate cholesterol benefits, as part of a total set of healthy lifestyle habits, can contribute to great heart health.  Moderate amounts of dark chocolate have been shown to lower LDL (or bad cholesterol), and to raise HDL (or good cholesterol), reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke.

Bad Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol slowly builds up along the interior walls of arteries, eventually forming hard plaque deposits, narrowing arteries and reducing their flexibility. This can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke. 

Dark chocolate can raise "good" cholesterol levels, which can be good for your heart
 

Good Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol lowers the risks of heart attack and stroke.  It removes excess cholesterol from artery walls and the blood stream, and transports it to the liver, where it can be removed from the body.

Only the Right Dark Chocolate

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Dark chocolate with less processing is better

Dark chocolate cholesterol benefits can only be realized with the right kind of dark chocolate.  This is dependant on the processing that the cocoa has gone through to produce the chocolate.  Addition of any extra oils, such as palm, coconut, or other oils, to the already present cocoa oils, counteracts any benefits.

Dark Chocolate in Moderation

Dark chocolate is also high calorie.  The extra calories from eating too much dark chocolate will counteract any health benefits. Eat moderate portions of dark chocolate to lower cholesterol.

Photo by T.B.G., under license

Regular exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle

Part of a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Of course dark chocolate is no magic pill, but what a great coincidence that the moderate portions of dark chocolate that we allow ourselves can help to reduce bad cholesterol and boost good cholesterol.  As part of a total set of healthy lifestyle habits, such as these, the dark chocolate cholesterol benefits can contribute to great heart health:

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Eat fish and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids
 

• Regular aerobic exercise
• Maintainance of appropriate body weight
• Abstinance from smoking
• Use of the right amounts of the right fats in your diet
• Use monounsaturated fats (canola oil, avacado oil, olive oil, peanut butter fats)
• Eat fish, nuts, and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids
• Avoid trans fatty acids (found in many prepared foods, often labeled "partially hydrogenated vegetable oils")
• Keep calories from all fats to 25% to 30% of total
• Consumption of soluble fiber (as found in oats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes)
• Very moderate alcohol consumption

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