Chocolate rich in flavanols may protect the skin from UV

Chocolate rich in flavanols may protect the skin from UV

(PhysOrg.com) — A new study has discovered for the first time that dark chocolate rich in flavanols may provide significant protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light.

The researchers suggest the findings indicate that the HF dark chocolate could protect the skin from ageing effects of exposure to sun, such as wrinkles, and the most likely mechanisms are the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the flavanols. The study did not look at the long term effects, and the high flavanols chocolate used in the experiment is not generally available in stores.

Previous research has suggested dark chocolate can also reduce the risk of blood clots, prevent premature births, lower blood pressure, reduce the pain response to heat, and protect against bowel cancer. Swedish researchers also reported earlier this year that consuming dark chocolate a couple of times a week slashed the mortality rate for heart attack patients. It has also been shown to cut the risk of dementia and boost brain power.