Have you ever have that moment when you’re enjoying a slice of dark chocolate and have a slight pang of guilt? Here is what we want to say to you – perhaps your favorite candy is really good for you? Yes, you read that right! Real cocoa usually described as a super-food is not just a desserts’ indulgence. That is why dark chocolate is an immense source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritious benefits that are great for the heart, the brain and for the entire body.
In this blog, let’s take a closer look at the features and advantages of consuming dark chocolate according to the results of scientific research. By the end you could well have a perfect excuse to indulge in a square or two – guilt free!
Rich in Antioxidants
Specifically, dark chocolate delivers flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins that are potent nutrients that knock out free radicals in the human body. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to aging and chronic diseases like cancer and heart conditions.
How it works:
❖ Such antioxidants eliminate these free radicals that can harm your cells.
❖ Research also points out that cocoa is much richer in antioxidants than blueberries and acai berries and thus is one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants known to man.
Pro tip: To achieve the maximum antioxidant value always select dark chocolate that contains 70 percent cacao and above.
Boosts Heart Health
Cocoa, or dark chocolate has always been associated with better heart health since it leads to improved circulation and reduced inflammation.
Key benefits for your heart:
❖ Lowers Blood Pressure: Dark chocolates have flavonoids which work to increase production of nitric oxide that has the effect of expanding blood vessels and improving circulation and thus bringing down blood pressure.
❖ Reduces LDL Cholesterol: There is evidence suggesting that taking dark chocolate helps to reduce the “LDL cholesterol” and increase “HDL cholesterol” making it easy to prevent a heart disease.
❖ Prevents Blood Clots: While the bioactive compounds present in dark chocolate enhance platelet functions and prevent clot formation, thus lowering the dangers of a stroke.
Enhances Brain Function
Need good concentration and clear mind? New research shows that one’s brain can experience a sudden shot of energy through consuming dark chocolate!
How it supports cognitive health:
❖ Improves Memory and Focus: Antioxidants present in dark chocolates are flavonoids that facilitate increased blood flow to the brain and thus raises memory, attention span, and problem solving ability.
❖ Protects Against Neurodegenerative Diseases: Dark chocolate is known to have many health benefits and especially the habit of taking these products can help prevent Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.
❖ Instant Energy Boost: There is very little caffeine and theobromine in dark chocolate, and these substances improve energy and wakefulness.
Fun fact: Who knew that munching on a bar of dark chocolate before your presentation or an important examination would be a smart thing to do?
A Mood Booster
Feeling low or stressed? Dark chocolate may be your new best friend when it comes to boost up energy.
What makes it a natural mood enhancer?
❖ Stimulates Feel-Good Hormones: Coenzyme from dark chocolate elevates levels of serotonin and endorphin in the brain linked with happiness and relaxation.
❖ Reduces Stress Hormones: According to a study performed for the Journal of Proteome Research, dark chocolate reduces cortisol, a cause of stress and anxiety, in the body.
Self-care tip: Why not grab a small piece of dark chocolate if you need a break and sip a stress relieving tea?
Supports Skin Health
In fact, you can get a number of benefits simply by consuming dark chocolate, and it is not only good for your heart!
How it works:
❖ Protects Against Sun Damage: Through enhancing the skins vascularity and water content, flavonoids enhance skin ability to withstand UV radiation.
❖ Promotes Youthful Skin: The rich flavonoids of dark chocolate fight skin aging signs, including crow’s feet and other fine lines.
❖ Boosts Skin Glow: Copper and zinc, which are found in dark chocolate, are essential for collagen synthesis, and give your skin a glowing look.
Pro tip: So although you are eating dark chocolates which are good for your skin do not forget to apply sunscreen when going out.
Improves Gut Health
Consumption of dark chocolate may result in a proper working of the gastrointestinal tract which helps the body in digestion, strengthened immune system and other necessary functions.
How it benefits the gut:
❖ Acts as a Prebiotic: The flavonoids found in dark chocolate align with the good bacteria in the intestines thus promoting growth of healthy gut.
❖ Reduces Inflammation: A healthy balance in the gut also means that inflammations all over the body are limited and may even decrease the chance of getting diseases like IBS or arthritis.
Quick idea: Dark chocolate should be eaten with Greek yogurt or berries as a stomach friendly snack.
Manages Weight (When Eaten in Moderation)
When it comes to weight management, go ahead and indulge in that chocolate bar but make sure it’s dark chocolate!
How it aids in weight control:
❖ Reduces Cravings: The substance, dark chocolate, is rich and is intense and consuming more is not needed unlike other chocolates which would lead to over consumption.
❖ Suppresses Appetite: There are also saturated fats such as stearic acid that will make you feel full once you have taken the dark chocolate.
Caution: While dark chocolate is great for your health there are some disadvantages; you will realize that taking more than a serving size increases your calorie intake.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
So, dark chocolate can fit into a diet for diabetes or anyone trying to achieve stable glycemic index.
Why it helps:
❖ Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Dark chocolates have flavonoids that increase the efficiency of insulin to work on the cells and minimize insulin resistance.
❖ Low Glycemic Index: Dark chocolate has a low glycemic property as compared to even milk chocolate or other sugar items, and will not result in an increase of blood sugar level.
Note: Talk with your physician if you have diabetes and are thinking of making this type of chocolate your primary choice of dessert.
Supports Bone Health
It has minerals such as magnesium, copper and manganese which are important for the bone health.
How it helps:
❖ Magnesium is essential for bone health, as well as to help the body absorb calcium.
❖ Copper helps to strengthen bones and fight osteoporosis, manganese helps the body in the formation of bones.
Snack suggestion: Blend dark chocolate and almonds together for a healthy snack that’s good for your bones.
Promotes Heartwarming Social Connections
Last but not the least, let me add the feeling and social side of cok consumption which is – eating dark chocolate! The element that is most powerful and offers the message of unity is the simple but affectionate way in which chocolate unites friends and family in a nightcap and bar or helping in making a rich chocolate dessert.
How to Choose the Best Dark Chocolate
There are so many dark chocoRoves out there but not all of them are equally good for consumption. Here’s what to look for:
❖ High Cocoa Content: Aim for 70% or higher.
❖ Low Sugar Content: Make sure that it has low/no added sugar.
❖ Minimal Processing: Choose brands that avoid unnecessary additives.
Recommended brands: Some choices that are pretty good to consider are Lindt and Amul.
For more such related content check out our blogs on Healthy Benefits.
Conclusion
Contrary to other candies and chocolate products, dark chocolate contains a lot of nutrition benefits especially to the heart, brain, skin and other parts of the body. Everyone knows that dark chocolate is great for you, whether consumed in moderation as a sweet nibble after supper or incorporated into delicious, nutritious recipes.
Therefore, the next time you are covering a bar of dark chocolate, you should know it’s not just a mere snack. It is a step on the ladder toward a healthier you.
How do you prefer to indulge yourself with dark chocolate? You can share your ideas in the comments section below this article.