Did you know that cacao beans, which are in chocolate, have a high level of antioxidants that may protect against preventable diseases? More excitingly, did you know that cacao beans may also have an added ageless benefit?
Scientists from Seoul National University in Korea indicated that it does and their tests show that the antioxidants in cacao may prevent wrinkles. The Korean data, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, suggests that substances in cacao help regulate skin health within our DNA or genes, “significantly” reducing wrinkles as a result of sun exposure.
In tests on human skin cells and in mice, 788 genes were found to be more efficient in protecting the skin from sun rays or UV damage when cacao powder is applied to the skin or ingested.
Results showed that the mice that ingested the cacao powder increased their levels of collagen than those in a control group. With this increase in collagen the skin density and hydration improved, and the blood flow plumped the skin while reducing fine lines. The breakdown of the dermal matrix was halted.
Cacao contains antioxidants that help protect the body both internally (i.e., heart disease, cancer and other long term illnesses), and externally in terms of keeping skin radiant. In their raw state cacao beans have higher levels of antioxidants than green tea and red wine. I recommend dark chocolate that is 70% or more of cacao. The antioxidant potential of the cacao in milk chocolate bars is significantly reduced.
“Our studies indicate that cacao powder supplementation contributes to a reduction in wrinkle formation and collagen degradation,” wrote the researchers “These results underline the potential for cacao powder extracts to be further developed as anti-photoageing agents.”
24 February, 2016
By Staff Writer
NYR Natural News
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