Hi everyone,
chocolate is definitely the winner when it comes to my favorite foods. Luckily dark chocolate is considered a super food, which makes me feel even better when eating it! 🙂
I’m definitely not the only one loving chocolate, but most people choose milk chocolate over dark chocolate. That tendency is slowly changing, though.
The average American consumes over 12 pounds of chocolate each year, most of which is the milk chocolate used in candy bars and other treats. However, dark chocolate is slowly gaining in popularity, thanks in part to its health benefits. Do you love dark chocolate? If so, you’re in luck! Not only is dark chocolate delicious, but it’s also good for your health. In this blog post, I will share with you the many health benefits of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of stroke. It’s also a great source of fiber and magnesium. So next time you reach for a piece of candy, make sure it’s dark chocolate! Your body will thank you.
Top 10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate:
1) Good Source Of Antioxidants:
Benefit number one is that dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important because they help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause cell damage, and they have been linked to a number of health conditions, including cancer and heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of both heart disease and stroke. In addition, flavonoids have been shown to improve blood circulation and decrease inflammation.
2) May Improve Cognitive Function:
One of the dark chocolate’s more surprising health benefits is that it may improve cognitive function. A recent study showed that people who consume flavonoid-rich foods, such as dark chocolate have better cognitive function than those who do not consume these foods [1]. The study participants who ate the most flavonoids performed better on memory and thinking tests than those who ate the least amount of flavonoids. Flavonoids may help to improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
3) Improve Insulin Sensitivity:
Another health benefit of dark chocolate is that it may improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes often have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels. A small study found that participants who consumed dark chocolate had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those who did not consume dark chocolate [2].
4) Lower Blood Pressure:
Hypertension is a common problem, and it’s often treated with medications that can have side effects. Some studies suggest that dark chocolate may help to lower blood pressure [3], and it’s a much tastier option than most medications! This is due to the flavonoids in cocoa beans, which help relax the arteries and improve blood flow. So if you have high blood pressure, consider adding some dark chocolate to your diet.
5) Reduce The Risk Of Stroke:
Stroke is a leading cause of death, and anything that can help to reduce the risk is worth considering. Dark chocolate can reduce the risk of stroke. This is because flavonoids help keep the arteries from hardening and narrowing, leading to a blockage and a stroke. Because dark chocolates are a great source of flavonoids, just one ounce of dark chocolate per day can provide the necessary amount of flavonoids. Given the deliciousness of dark chocolate, it may be easier to adhere to this preventive measure than some others.
6) Aid In Weight Loss:
Surprisingly, dark chocolate can also aid in weight loss. One study showed that people who ate dark chocolate felt fuller after eating and consumed fewer calories throughout the day [4]. This is likely due to the fact that dark chocolate contains healthy fats that help to keep you feeling satisfied. So if you’re looking to lose weight, reach for some dark chocolate instead of unhealthy snacks.
7) Improve Your Mood And Reduce Stress Levels:
Dark chocolate is known for improving your mood and reducing stress levels. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help promote a sense of calm and relaxation, while the caffeine content can provide a mild boost of energy. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. In addition, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help to protect your cells from damage. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, reach for a bar of dark chocolate!
8) Ease Digestive Problems:
If you suffer from digestive problems, dark chocolate may be able to help. The cocoa butter in dark chocolate can help to coat the stomach and ease digestive issues. In addition, the flavonoids in dark chocolate can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and digestive problems.
9) Prevent Cancer:
Cancer is a devastating disease that takes the lives of millions of people every year. While there is no surefire way to prevent cancer, eating dark chocolate may help reduce your risk. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. These antioxidants may also help to reduce inflammation, which has been linked to cancer development. In addition, dark chocolate helps to keep blood vessels healthy and prevents the formation of plaques that can lead to cancer. So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to potentially reduce your cancer risk, reach for some dark chocolate!
10) Improve Heart Health:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, so anything that can help to improve heart health is worth considering. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that help to keep the arteries clear and prevent blood clots. In addition, dark chocolate helps to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. So next time you’re craving something sweet, reach for a bar of dark chocolate and enjoy the benefits for your heart.
Conclusion
Dark chocolate is a delicious and nutritious treat that offers plenty of health benefits. These health benefits of dark chocolate include improving heart health, reducing stress levels, and helping to control blood sugar levels. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for some dark chocolate instead of unhealthy junk food. You’ll be doing your body a favor! Have you ever tried dark chocolate? What are your thoughts on it? Let me know in the comments below!