Top 10 Reasons Why Dark Chocolate Is a Healthy Indulgence
“Dark chocolate is therapy in a wrapper”, they say, and so true that is; as it has multiple health benefits that range from promoting heart health to improving brain function, among others. It is a treat to all your senses, owing to its refreshing aroma, appetizing appearance, velvety touch, the crackling sound created when it’s broken or bitten into, and most of all, its rich bitter-sweet taste. Savour it any time of the day in a guilt-free way, for it provides your mind and body with some amazing benefits. What are they? Let’s find out.
Mystic Takeaway
So, the chocolate by itself is not harmful. Unfortunately you’re taking too much of sugar with it. That’s the reason why it causes so many problems. Chocolate eaters have a lot of trouble because the volume of sugar that they’re taking in.
10 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
#1 Improves cardiovascular health
Consuming dark chocolate reduces blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart disease. Flavanols found in dark chocolate are known to increase nitric oxide levels in the body, which relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow. Since it has low levels of sugar and fat, dark chocolate reduces cholesterol. Polyphenols and theobromine in dark chocolate are found to be helpful in reducing low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and increasing high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).
#2 Protects against cell damage
Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants. The polyphenols, flavanols and catechin antioxidants in it prevent the loss of free radicals and cells.
#3 Prevents inflammation
The flavanols found in dark chocolate have antioxidant properties which are found to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
#4 Improves digestion
It improves digestion and reduces the absorption of fats and carbs, which in turn helps in weight loss. Consuming dark chocolate benefits the gut microbiome by increasing its diversity.
#5 Boosts mental health
A South Korean study revealed that eating 85% dark chocolate can uplift one’s mood, since the increased diversity of the microbiome has a positive effect on the mood through the gut-brain axis. Dark chocolate contains serotonin which is a mood regulator. So, eating dark chocolate can uplift your mood. Phenylethlalanine and theobromine present in dark chocolate enhance the feeling of happiness.
#6 Improves brain function
Dark chocolate has theobromine which improves alertness and cognitive function. The flavanoids in dark chocolate improve blood flow to the brain and prevent damage of brain cells, which further helps in boosting brain function. Flavanols in dark chocolate may improve neuroplasticity, whereby the brain’s ability to heal itself post injury or disease increases.
#7 Improves Athletic Ability
The epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the levels of nitric oxide in the blood, further aiding circulation and reducing the oxygen used by an athlete during athletic activity or intense exercise. This can in turn improve an athlete’s performance.
#8 Keeps the skin healthy
The antioxidants present in dark chocolate reduce wrinkles and other signs of ageing. There is improvement in the skin appearance and texture due to reduced radical damage. Eating dark chocolate improves blood circulation in the skin, which further helps keep it healthy and glowing.
#9 Reduces the risk of diabetes
Dark chocolate reduces insulin resistance. Research says that consuming it can help in lowering fasting glucose levels. Thus, it can provide protection against diabetes.
#10 Alleviates Cough and Cold
Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of dark chocolate, consuming it can help reduce cold and mild fever. Theobromine present in dark chocolate is helpful against respiratory problems.
So, Is Dark Chocolate Healthy?
Dark chocolate is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains proteins, fiber, and minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium, which are essential for body function and physical and mental wellbeing. It is a rich source of antioxidants, mainly flavanols, which benefit overall health.
Thus, you can see that consuming dark chocolate (obviously, in moderation) provides you with many important nutritional elements, improves the functioning of your organ systems and also helps you feel happy and stress-free.
However, you must exercise caution with the amount you consume, as dark chocolate contains caffeine which has adverse effects on the body, it is relatively high in calories, and if consumed in excess, it may cause constipation.
What Percentage of Dark Chocolate is Best?
The best dark chocolate stands out for its distinct qualities: a cocoa content of 70% or more, with cocoa listed as the main ingredient and a negligible accounts of unnecessary additives like trans fats, milk, artificial flavors, and excessive sugars.
Dark chocolate cannot be used as a direct treatment for any disease, so consult a medical expert if you are thinking of consuming it for any specific health purpose. Most importantly, do not be misguided into consuming any type of chocolate considering that it is good for health. Know that the benefits enlisted above are specific to dark chocolate only. So, indulge in this dark delicacy once in a while to reap its blissful advantages for your health and wellness.