5. Cancer fighter
Dark chocolate may stop the spread of cancer cells thanks to pentameric procyanidin (or pentamer), a compound found in cocoa. A 2005 study from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University found that cancer cells treated with pentamer stopped dividing and the proteins needs for cancer growth were suppressed.
6. Cough medicine
Catching a cold never tasted so good! Skip the syrup and try a little dark chocolate next time you have a cough. The theobromine in dark chocolate has been shown to reduce activity in the vagus nerve, the part of the brain that triggers coughs.
7. Heart health
Talk about a true comfort food. Studies show that eating chocolate can prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attacks. Blood platelets in people who eat chocolate clump together more slowly.
Chocolate Tip: For the best benefits, choose dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.
Healthy After Dark was originally published on blackdoctor.org
