TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chocolate does not just indulge your palate, but it can also take care of your health. Dark chocolate containing 70 percent pure cacao can be considered as a healthy option.

Chocolate lovers in Jakarta might know that the Chocoholics event is currently held by three restaurants in Le Meridien Hotel from March 10 – May 10. The three restaurants are La Brasserie, La Rendez-Vous, and Al Nafoura.

Here are the health benefits of chocolate that were compiled from several sources:

1. Improving blood circulation

A study found that consuming dark chocolates can improve the flexibility of the artery that can prevent Arterial thrombosis or blood clots that are the cause of several coronary heart diseases which include Carotid Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease, as stated in HeartOrg.

2. Reduce the risk of cholesterol

A study by the Journal of Nutrition states that consuming chocolate can help reduce the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and help improve blood pressure.

3. Improve your cognitive function

A researcher from the Harvard Medical School stated that consuming hot chocolate twice a day can potentially improve your brain’s health by improving its blood circulation and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Prevents stroke

A researcher from Canada found that people who consume chocolate have a 22 percent less chance of having a stroke compared to those who do not consume chocolate. Meanwhile, 46 percent of chocolate consumers are less-likely to die caused by a stroke compared to people who do not consume chocolate at all.

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