Dark Chocolate Defends Against UV Radiation

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Here is an interesting Article

Dark Chocolate Defends Against UV Radiation

A new study hints that having dark chocolate, rich in flavanols - the antioxidants that occur naturally in cocoa beans - can take part in a crucial task in shielding the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation.
 
The researchers say that dark chocolate abundant in flavonols has antioxidant properties that could prevent wrinkles and cut the risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to sunlight.
 
Dr. Stefanie Williams, dermatologist, Cosmetic Science Group, who carried out the research said, “Chronic UV exposure is the main cause of premature skin aging and also plays an important role in cutaneous carcinogenesis.
 
"Our study demonstrated that regular consumption of chocolate rich in flavanols confers substantial photoprotection and can thus be effective at protecting human skin from harmful UV effects.”
 
The researchers carried out a study to assess the potential of dark chocolate preserved with high flavanol against skin damage from sunlight as a contrast to conventional dark chocolate.
 
In a random trial the researchers appointed 22 women and 8 men who were pale and fair skinned with an average age of 43 years.
 
The researchers saw the group that ate dark chocolate with high level of flavanol showed a noticeable improvement in skin resistance to UV rays of the sun than the group that ate the conventional dark chocolate.
 
The researchers said, "The main mechanism is likely to be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. But conventional chocolate had no such effect."
 
The study is published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.