You may have heard an old saying “Come to the dark side we have chocolate”. The best way to understand this is a bite of dark chocolate a day could be good for health. Scientific studies have shown that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and is a powerhouse of nutrients. Although slightly bitter in taste is full of incredible health benefits. One thing you should keep in mind while buying dark chocolate, make sure you buy Chocolate with a 60 per cent or higher cocoa content.
In the following section, we will be listing the benefits of Dark Chocolate. Have a look:
11 Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Contains Antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains very high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help destroy free radicals which are the prerequisite for cancer and. Chocolate is filled with polyphenols, flavonols and catechins which acts as an antioxidant.
Dark Chocolate May Promote Gut Health
The Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria are good microbes in the gut that ferment dark chocolate and produce anti-inflammatory compounds. Chocolate contains flavonoids which significantly improve the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Also Dark Chocolate behaves like a prebiotic, a type of fibre that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Dark Chocolate May Help With Weight Loss
Research suggests dark chocolate may have a power in controlling appetite, which in turn could help with weight loss.
Dark Chocolate May Improve Hair Health
Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa. This cocoa contains proanthocyanidins, compounds that were known to promote hair growth.
Dark Chocolate is Good for Skin
Dark chocolate contains copper, iron, and magnesium that are beneficial to your skin. Manganese supports the production of collagen, a protein responsible for keeping skin young and healthy. On the other hand, calcium, help repair and renew skin. Also dark chocolate prevents damage from ultraviolet rays.
Dark Chocolate Can Help Prevent Depression
Dark Chocolate contains one of the important components of theobromine that acts as an antidepressant. It is structurally quite similar to caffeine. Also dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is metabolized in your body into serotonin. Serotonin is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals your body.
Dark Chocolate Can Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Dark chocolate does have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have also shown that taking dark chocolate on a regular basis may reduce the risk of heart disease. Also, the flavonoids in dark chocolate help in maintaining heart health.
Dark Chocolate Can Prevent Diabetes
Studies have shown that Dark Chocolate could actually improve how the body metabolizes glucose and hence help in preventing Diabetes.
Dark Chocolate Raise HDL Cholesterol and Improve LDL
It’s effective at increasing the total amount of HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol. Dark chocolate is often termed as a cholesterol-lowering food. Studies have shown that it prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is one of the greatest contributors to atherogenesis.
Dark Chocolate Can Help to Lower Blood Pressure
Another amazing medicinal benefit of Dark Chocolate is it can lower your blood pressure.
Dark Chocolate Can Help in Pregnancy
Recent studies have shown that chocolate plays a role in improving fetal growth. It regulates the occurrence of preeclampsia, the condition when the blood supply to the fetus is cut off or restricted. This situation occurs due to high blood pressure, which is natural during pregnancy.
