According to the researchers, dark chocolate rich 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, London University of the Arts and private dermatology clinic European Dermatology London, who carried out the research stated, “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.”
Study details
The researchers conducted a study to evaluate the potential of dark chocolate preserved with high flavanol against skin damage from sunlight as opposed to conventional dark chocolate.
In a randomised controlled trial the researchers recruited 22 women and eight men who were pale and fair skinned with an average age of 43 years.
They were divided into two groups; one group was given 20- grams of Barry Callebaut ACTICOA dark chocolate high in flavanol daily, while the other group ate similar looking chocolate much lower in flavanol content.
The skin of all participants was examined at the beginning of the study and then again towards its end. For three months the participants of both the groups were regularly exposed to controlled doses of UV light to record at which level the skin became inflamed.
Observations by the researchers
The researchers observed the group that consumed dark chocolate with high content of flavanol demonstrated a marked improvement in skin resistance to UV rays of the sun than others who ate the conventional dark chocolate.
The researchers stated, "The main mechanism is likely to be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. But conventional chocolate had no such effect."
The study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the official journal of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology was sponsored by the London University.
The health benefits of dark chocolate
Earlier studies have revealed consumption of dark chocolate has numerous health benefits. It improves brain function, protects against bowel cancer, prevents premature births, reduces the risk of blood clots and has anti-ageing properties.
According to Swedish scientists eating dark chocolate twice a week reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 70 percent.
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