This chocolate contains 70% cocoa and brings a lot of health benefits as it is loaded with flavonoids. It helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, preventing diabetes, and even lowering the risk of cancer. It is also loaded with antioxidants that make your immune system stronger and prevent premature aging as well. Here are some amazing benefits of dark chocolate:
1. Improves brain functioning: research has shown that eating chocolate before your exam helps you perform well. The dark chocolate contains compounds like flavonoids that enhance the blood flow to the brain as it enhances problem-solving skills, reaction time, attention span as well as memory. Chocolate also promotes endorphin production that is known as the ‘feel happy chemical’ as it boots mind and mood.
2. Improves heart health: studies have shown dark chocolate aids in blood circulation from and towards the heart because of the high flavonoid content in it. Dark chocolate promotes cardiovascular health by making blood vessels elastic and prevents its stiffening in the long run. Moreover, it prevents blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels and avoids the blockage in vessels that is caused due to buildup.
3. Diabetes Prevention: dark chocolate is great when it comes to diabetes prevention, as well. Inflammation is a major reason and cause of diabetes as it increases insulin resistance with the passage of time. Dark chocolate is helpful in reducing the natural insulin resistance of your body, which contributes in preventing diabetes.
4. Weight loss: eating dark chocolate before having your meal is helpful in controlling your portions as it makes you feel satiated for longer. This is because it triggers hormones in the body that make you feel fuller for longer and makes you eat lesser consequently.
5. Cancer prevention: dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids. The flavonoids are known to avert cell damage and also have the capacity to repair the already damaged cells while inhibiting the tumor growth. Georgetown University even conducted research on the Pentamer compound for treating the cancer cells. This compound is found in cocoa of the dark chocolate. In this research, it was found that Pentamer helped in preventing cell division by inhibiting the proteins that is required to divide these cells.
These are the great benefits offered by chocolate, but keep in mind that you have to select the right kind of chocolate to get the maximum benefits, which is the dark chocolate. The regular chocolates contain additional chemicals as well as sugars that are highly processed, which causes the elimination of helpful chemicals. Therefore, go for the dark chocolate as a healthy substitute to avoid sugars and chemicals while banking on its health benefits brought to you by cocoa.
Fun facts about the health benefits of dark chocolate:
- Cacao Power: Dark chocolate is derived from cacao beans, which are rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids. These antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body and promote overall health.
- Heart Health: Consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate has been associated with improved heart health. The flavonoids in dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Mood Booster: Dark chocolate contains compounds that can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, leading to improved mood and a sense of well-being.
- Brain Function: Some studies suggest that dark chocolate may enhance cognitive function and improve memory. The flavonoids in chocolate may increase blood flow to the brain.
- Skin Protection: The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation. Eating dark chocolate in moderation may contribute to healthier skin.
- Cough Relief: Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been found to be effective in soothing coughs. It can be more effective than traditional cough syrups.
- Appetite Suppressant: Consuming a small piece of dark chocolate before a meal may help reduce appetite and prevent overeating.
- Rich in Minerals: Dark chocolate is a good source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for various bodily functions.
- Historical Significance: The ancient Mayans and Aztecs valued cacao beans so highly that they used them as currency and believed that cacao had divine properties.
- Chocolate Trees: Cacao trees can live for over 200 years, producing cacao pods that contain the beans used to make chocolate.
- Chocolate and Romance: Chocolate has long been associated with romance and love. It’s a popular gift on Valentine’s Day and other romantic occasions.
Remember that while dark chocolate offers health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation. Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content (70% or higher) to maximize its potential health benefits and minimize added sugars and unhealthy fats.
