Everybody loves chocolate. What if I tell you that there are many health benefits of dark chocolate? Yes, that’s correct. Well, not all the chocolates, but the dark chocolates especially have a lot of proven health benefits.
The dark chocolate, not the one loaded with artificial sugar, is tasty and consists of various nutrients and is rich in antioxidants that can be beneficial for health. So here we go.
1. Loaded with nutrients
A good quality pure dark chocolate which is rich in cocoa content is loaded with a lot of nutrients. They contain a good amount of fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. But all these nutrients also come with a good amount of sugar. Hence it is advised to consume the dark chocolates in limited amounts.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Raw and unprocessed cocoa beans consist of a high amount of antioxidants which include polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins.
3. Improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
The flavanols stimulate endothelium which produces nitric oxide (NO). NO, sends signals to arteries to relax and thus reducing the resistance to blood flow.
4. May reduce heart diseases
One of the many benefits of dark chocolates is that they cause less cholesterol to lodge into the arteries and hence they result in reducing the risk of heart-related disease.
Consider reading easy and healthy smoothie recipes. Some are great for hearts too.
5. Protects skin from the sun
The flavanols are helpful in increasing blood supply to the skin and maintaining hydration.
6. Improves brain function
A study showed that the volunteers who ate dark chocolate for 5 days had improved blood flow in their brains due to the flavanol present in dark chocolates. This, in turn, can improve brain functioning. In elderly people with mental impairment, dark chocolate can be helpful in improving cognitive functions.
Dark chocolates can sufficiently reduce stress. Yes, but you know these 5 health Apps to keep you mentally Healthy Yet relaxed
7. Reduces stress
With improved blood circulation in the brain, it effectively helps in reducing stress among a lot of peoples. You must have seen people eating chocolates when they are depressed or stressed. So yes, it is very much effective in calming down your mind.
So when we know about these benefits of dark chocolate, why should we restrict them? But we should also consider in mind that the packaged dark chocolates available in the market are high in sugar content which can result in serious health damage as well.
Dark chocolates rich in natural cocoa, when taken in moderate quantity, can result to be very much beneficial for health. What do you eat this chocolate for? Have you experienced any other improvement in your body functions for eating a lot of chocolates? We want to know too. Write down your views on the comments section below.
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