7 evidence-based dark chocolate benefits

Whether children or old, everybody like it. But what? That is dark chocolate! On hearing this word, a smile spreads on everyone’s face. Even after hearing the name of chocolate, the mouth of people gets watery. In such a situation, this question is sure to come to mind, what are the nutritional facts and benefits of dark chocolate that we are so crazy about it…

But often you have heard that one should not eat too much chocolate. You may even scold your children for eating too much chocolate. Stop! If we tell you that chocolate is very good for your health then you probably won’t believe it. Scientific studies have shown that dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and rich in nutrients, making it not only a popular tasty treat but a wide range of health benefits.

Nutritional Facts of Dark Chocolate

It is a nutrient-dense food that is high in several essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional profile per 100 grams:

• Calories: 546
• Fat: 31.3 g
• Saturated fat: 18.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47.2 g
• Fiber: 10.9 g
• Sugar: 24.2 g
• Protein: 7.8 g
• Iron: 3.3 mg (18% DV)
• Magnesium: 228 mg (57% DV)
• Phosphorus: 206 mg (21% DV)
• Zinc: 2.3 mg (15% DV)
• Potassium: 715 mg (15% DV)
• Copper: 1.8 mg (89% DV)
• Manganese: 1.6 mg (80% DV)
• Selenium: 6.8 mcg (10% DV)

Reasons You Should Eat Dark Chocolate

Cocoa-based chocolate has long been known as the ‘Food of the God’, the food of God among the natives of South America. Because of its qualities and taste, it has been famous for 100 years already as a delicious drink and chocolate bar.

According to a 2015 study by Australian researchers, it is very beneficial for adults to consume chocolate.

Recently several health benefits of dark chocolate have been discovered.

It is also rich in antioxidants, particularly flavanols, which have been linked to several health benefits, including heart health and improved cognitive function. However, it’s important to note that its nutritional content of it can vary depending on the cocoa content, brand, and other ingredients added, such as sugar and milk. When choosing it, it’s recommended to opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content and limited added sugars.

1. Heart Health

Studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow, and lower the risk of heart disease. The flavanols in it have been found to increase the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

2. Rich Source of Antioxidants

It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and inflammation. The flavanols in it have been found to have strong antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate had significantly greater ORAC, TP, and TF values compared to the other fruit. That appears to meet the popular media’s definition of a “Super Fruit”. (study)

Phenolic antioxidants are found in good amounts in dark chocolate. Its polyphenols, flavanols, and catechin antioxidants prevent the loss of free radicals and cells in your body. (study)

3. Dark Chocolate to Lose Weight

If you want to lose weight, then dark chocolate can help you. it reduces the absorption of fat and carbs by improving digestion. In addition, it can also be used to calm cravings. (study)

However, further research is needed on how to lose weight directly from dark chocolate.

If seen, then along with proper diet and weight loss yoga or exercise is also needed.

4. Brain Function

It contains caffeine and theobromine, two natural stimulants that can improve mental alertness and cognitive performance. Additionally, flavonoids in dark chocolate may also help improve blood flow to the brain and protect brain cells from damage.

5. In Case of a Cold & Cough

If you want to protect yourself from a cold, you can consume it. It has antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Which are helpful in curing infection and mild fever. (study)

In addition, it contains a chemical substance called theobromine, which also relieves respiratory system problems. (study)

6. Good Cholesterol Increases

It is very important to have a healthy heart in the whole body. Especially when the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood increases, then its negative effect first on the heart. Eating dark chocolate is good in reducing cholesterol. Dark chocolate contains a very low amount of sugar and fat, which does not allow cholesterol to increase and reduces it, so that there is no possibility of increasing obesity in the body….

A survey conducted in 2010 showed that it controls high blood pressure, so eating chocolate reduces the chances of heart disease. The polyphenic and antioxidant elements found in dark chocolate are very beneficial for our bodies. (study)

7. Keep the Skin Healthy & Young

Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which reduce signs and wrinkles of aging on your skin. These anti-oxidants help in keeping the skin soft and young by protecting it from radical damage. (study)

Dietary flavonols present in cocoa provide photoprotection and may also improve skin blood circulation. (study) (study)

Due to its properties, chocolate baths, facials, packs, and waxes are also being used nowadays.

Avoid excessive consumption of dark chocolate as it can also cause wrinkles and acne problems.

Conclusion

Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, has been linked to several health benefits supported by scientific evidence. The benefits of eating dark chocolate in daily life can be reaped. At the same time, take care of its intake. Eating dark chocolate in excess can cause harm.