Dark chocolate has several health benefits. It’s rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
One piece of dark chocolate everyday keeps the doctor away.
Yes, that’s right, the famous saying is not quite like that. However there is evidence that there are in fact enormous health benefits associated with consuming a few grams of melted chocolate daily.
To be considered dark, chocolate must contain at least 50% cocoa , cocoa butter and sugar, and must not contain milk (except in trace amounts which can occur due to cross-contamination during production). Cocoa is in fact rich in flavanols, plant chemicals that are excellent for health thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical properties. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa it contains and the more health benefits it provides.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate protects heart health
Several studies have shown that dark chocolate offers a number of benefits which, when combined, help protect the body from cardiovascular disease.This type of chocolate has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects, which can help prevent blood clots from forming . Dark chocolate has anti-hypertensive properties that can reduce blood pressure levels.
Reduces the risk of diabetes
Eating chocolate every day doesn’t mean that it’s the best way to prevent diabetes at all. However, some research has shown consuming modest quantities as part of a balanced diet might actually enhance how the body metabolises glucose. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that lower the risk factors linked with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the characteristic of type 2 diabetes, causing elevated blood glucose levels.
Reduces blood pressure
Some research suggests that dark chocolate may have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure. The intake of moderate portions would in fact contribute to the flexibility of the blood vessels , relieving the stiffness of the arteries and improving their function.
This can help lower the chance of atherosclerosis, which is caused by the buildup of plaque and fats on the inside walls of the arteries, which restricts blood flow.
Good for the skin
Vitamins and minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium and manganese are good for our skin. Dark chocolate is rich in these substances.
Manganese, for example, supports the production of collagen , a protein that helps keep skin young and healthy. Furthermore, several studies have also found that the high levels of antioxidants present can protect the skin from the powerful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun.
Improve sleep
According to experts dark chocolate helps improve our circadian rhythm (Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles which are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to perform essential functions and processes. The sleep-wake cycle is a well-known and important circadian rhythm.)
This food, in fact, increases serotonin, a hormone that helps us fall asleep at night. Dark chocolate is also high in tryptophan , an amino acid that regulates sleep.
Improve physical performance in the gym
One study found that 40 grams of dark chocolate a day improved participants athletic endurance that is, how long they could actually train. According to the researchers, this is due to a type of flavanol in cocoa called epicatechin which has been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes our muscles, allowing blood vessels to widen exactly what we need when running or lifting weights in the gym.