Eating Dark Chocolate Reduces UVB-Induced Wrinkles Says Study
“Sales of Organic Dark Chocolate are Doubling”
If you're looking for a chocolate, why not opt for organic dark chocolate? Below is why we suggest dark chocolate could be the perfect supplemental food for helping stay young and healthy. Kick the aging process caused by the sun! But before you rush to get a stock of chocolates, we recommend some research. Below is a summary of what we have read and our interpretation.
The latest research might turn out to be a big blessing for all the chocolate-addicts around the world. Dark Chocolate may do wonders in helping one look younger. As per recent studies, it has been worked out that cocoa beans (the main ingredient of real chocolate) have an anti-aging benefit. In fact it is believed that cocoa actually could help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Cocoa beans contain a cocktail of naturally occurring phytochemicals that probably safeguard against a number of diseases and play into the look of youthfulness.
The latest study (see references below) show that consuming dark chocolate can do wonders for your skin resulting in a change that will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles that are caused by excessive exposure to the sun. The researchers have reported that cocoa extract found in dark chocolate offers protection against wrinkles caused by UV-Light and even helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by blocking the breakdown of the dermal matrix.
Scientists from Seoul National University Korea also conducted tests of cocoa powder on hairless mice for about eight weeks and discovered a notable reduction in wrinkles which was caused by exposure to the sun. In the tests it was observed that a sum of 78 genes were improved following the utilization of dietary cocoa. It was contrasted to mice whose skin was exposed to sunlight and did not enjoy a cocoa rich diet. The Korean team came up with a conclusion that cocoa has phyto chemicals that probably inhibit long-term sun damage and diminish wrinkle formation by a "substantial” amount.
In the Korean research, mice who had a chocolate diet based on cocoa powder revealed higher levels of collagen as compared to those kept in the control group. The Korean study team said: "UVB-induced wrinkle formation was markedly reduced in the groups administered with cocoa powder." The findings are already published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Studies suggest organic dark chocolate contains antioxidants which may fight conditions like cancer and heart diseases. Experts think that cocoa beans have a higher level of antioxidants as compared to red wine or green tea. A number of studies have shown that consuming chocolate likely elevate one's general health as well as improving skin condition due to these antioxidants. Chocolate seems to increase blood flow and skin density and hydration which leads to better skin appearance or at least we believe it does based on this research.
According to one study by Cambridge University, it was shown that consuming 7.5g of quality dark chocolate daily can alter the underlying skin structure of a 50-year old individual compared to that of someone in their 30’s.
Research (referenced below) implies that 20g of dark chocolate (almost an ounce) eaten daily could be enough to prevent unwanted wrinkles. The Experts behind the study point out that it could also lower the risk of developing skin cancer. Organic Dark Chocolate we know has flavanols, and flavanols are naturally occurring antioxidants present in cocoa beans which appear to be the healthy key in these findings. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology printed this study that observed dark chocolate and flavanol antioxidant capacity.
The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology research related to skin condition was conducted by recruiting around 30 healthy adults, half of whom were given a daily portion of 20g of dark chocolate rich in flavanols. The other half were served identical looking chocolate with lower amounts of flavanols. For a period of three months, the participants in the research were exposed to monitored doses of UV light in order to witness how long it took before the skin turned dull and tired looking. It was observed that there was no change or impact on those who were on low flavanol chocolate while those on the high flavanol chocolate (darker chocolate typically with high cocoa solids), there was an improvement in the skin’s general resistance. Dr Nick Lowe, a spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists, stated the study showed “very interesting and important findings”.
All in all the research does seem to support the idea of a diet that includes moderate amounts of dark chocolate could be an important part of a healthy lifestyle and especially important in helping maintain a youthful appearance.
References:
https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X%2816%2900457-7/fulltext
https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X%2816%2900457-7/fulltext
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1225364/Can-daily-dose-chocolate-wrinkles-away.html
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/eating-chocolate-makes-you-look-7423483