UK NEWS

HOW CHOCOLATE CAN HELP KEEP AWAY WRINKLES

Dark chocolate can beat sun damage

Thursday November 5,2009

By Jo Willey

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EATING dark chocolate every day can keep you looking young and even protect against skin cancer in later life, according to research.

Scientists have found nibbling on just a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate can shield the skin against the harmful ageing effects of the sun.

The research shows that eating only 20g – about half a small bar – each day helps to prevent wrinkles caused by ultraviolet light.

The experts who carried out the study say it could also lower the risk of skin cancer.

Dark chocolate contains very high levels of flavanols, which are naturally occurring antioxidants found in cocoa beans.

Antioxidants are compounds that help combat cancer and the ageing process by protecting against harmful molecules which accumulate in the body and damage cells.

But the research, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, found that most chocolate bars on sale in the UK have had their antioxidant capacity greatly reduced during processing.

It means only strong dark chocolate works, rather than the milk chocolate favoured by most people in Britain.

The scientists at European Dermatology London, a private Harley Street skin clinic, believe it is the first time a chocolate treat has been shown to prevent the visible signs of ageing.

Researchers recruited 30 healthy adults, half of whom were given a daily portion of 20g of dark chocolate high in flavanol.

The other half ate identical-looking chocolate drops with much lower flavanol content.

During the three-month experiment, volunteers were exposed to controlled doses of UV light to see how long it took before their skin became inflamed.

There was no change for those on low-flavanol chocolate but among those on the high-flavanol droplets, there was a significant improvement in the skin’s resistance to the sun’s effects.

Dr Nick Lowe, a spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists, said the study showed “very interesting and important findings”.

Previous research has found flavanol-rich dark chocolate can lower the risk of blood clots, protect against bowel cancer and even help to prevent premature births.

Earlier this year, Swedish scientists also reported that heart attack victims who snacked on dark chocolate twice a week cut their risk of dying from heart disease by about 70 per cent.

Chocolate has also been shown to reduce blood pressure in just two weeks as well as boost brain power, fight heart disease and even cut the risk of dementia.

Some High Street retailers report sales of dark chocolate have doubled in recent years.

Other foods that are rich in flavanols include many vegetables and black and green tea.

MORE GOOD NEWS ABOUT CHOCOLATE

13.11.09, 2:29pm

This has got to be the best news. But remember many chocolate have a great deal of Sugar and saturated fats so will have other bad effects. Not with Xocai though. This is the worlds First really healthy chocolate. My mission in life is to get people to change from unhealthy chocolate to The really healthy chocolate.
1 billion people eat unhealthy chocolate every day, the world would be a much better if everyone ate Xocai. www.wealthychocolate.co.uk

• Posted by: Healthychocolate • Report Comment

HOW CHOCOLATE CAN HELP KEEP AWAY WRINKLES

05.11.09, 10:06am

It may very well be resveratrol rather then the compound noted in the article which is responsible for the anti-aging, anti-UV effects of dark chocolate.

Since the Harvard study on resveratrol indicated a possible lifespan increase of over 30% for mammals, humans for example, a ton of new and dodgy products have flooded the market. Consumer Lab, an independent testing authority, evaluated the major brands and found many lacking in content and quality. The highest potency products that passed their evaluation were Biotivia, Transmax and Bioforte. A product by Life Extension Co. failed badly with only 26% of the claimed resveratrol. No company with a name made up from the word resveratrol passed the tests. This is clearly a case of buyer beware. Look for a reputable company with the resources and experience necessary to produce a quality resveratrol supplement.

• Posted by: phytoresearcher • Report Comment