If you think chocolate is bad for you, think again. If you love chocolate, the darker you go, the better it is. We will give you 7 reasons to consume dark chocolate guilt-free.
Various researches have proven that dark chocolate, which is higher in antioxidants and contains more nutrients, is a great superfood which is actually healthier for you.
Plant compounds known as flavonoids, which function as antioxidants and help in the prevention of cancer and heart health, are found in dark chocolates. (1) Additionally, theobromine, a substance found in cacao plants from which chocolate is made, may help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
To know more about the various dark chocolate health benefits, keep on reading this blog.
7 Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate
There is no denying that chocolate is one of the most decadent foods in the world. Chocolate makes you happy no matter how you eat it—as a candy bar, in a hot beverage, or poured over ice cream. But when it comes to dark chocolates, it is more than just a sweet treat to your taste buds, it is packed with lots of health benefits. Below are the 7 major dark chocolate benefits for your health.
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Lowers Blood Pressure
Nitric oxide (NO) can be produced by the endothelium, the lining of the arteries when stimulated by the flavonoids found in dark chocolate. Sending messages to the arteries to relax is one of NO's roles in lowering blood pressure. Various studies have demonstrated that dark chocolate and cocoa can enhance blood flow and reduce blood pressure. (2)
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Reduces Heart Disease Risk
The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be extremely protective against the oxidation of LDL. This should lead to a significant reduction in the amount of cholesterol that builds up in the arteries, lowering the risk of heart disease in the long term. As per a study, eating chocolate three times a week reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 9%. (3)
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Protects Skin From Sun
Dark chocolate contains bioactive chemicals that may be beneficial to skin health. The flavanols can boost skin hydration, enhance blood flow to the skin, and protect against sun damage. (4) This is one of the best dark chocolate benefits for women and men.
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Improves Brain Function
Since dark chocolate comprises flavanol cocoa, it can improve brain functions like memory, verbal learning, attention and more. (5)
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Improves Blood Sugar Level
Research has also shown that healthy amounts of dark chocolate with cacao may help enhance how the body metabolises glucose. Flavonoids in dark chocolate can lower oxidative stress, which is thought to be the main cause of insulin resistance. Your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which lowers resistance and lowers your chance of developing conditions like diabetes. (6)
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Promotes Nutritious Health
One of the biggest health benefits of dark chocolate is that it contains various nutrients. With 70-85% cocoa, a 100-gram dark chocolate bar contains 66% of the daily value (DV) for iron, 57% of DV for magnesium, 85% of DV for manganese, 196% of DV for copper, and 11 grams of fibre. (7)
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Increases Microbiome Diversity
Dark chocolate benefits for men and women include the gut microbiome diversity that helps in digestion. The increased microbiome diversity also affects mood through the gut-brain axis.
Conclusionary Thought
Having known the various benefits of dark chocolate, it’s time you must treat yourself to one.
If you are diabetic then get your hands on the Vegan- Hazelnut Caramel Dark Chocolate Bar from Third Roast or treat yourself with Sugar free Dark Chocolate Fudge from us!
FAQs
Q. How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?
A: The recommended dose of eating dark chocolate is 30-60 grams or 1-2 ounces daily.
Q. Is dark chocolate good for the skin?
A: Yeah, dark chocolate has bioactive compounds like flavonoids which are good for the skin.
Q. Is 85% dark chocolate good for you?
A: Considering the health benefits of dark chocolates, 85% or darker chocolates are good for you.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22301923/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537803/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027869152100154X
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7760676/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699188/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170273/nutrients