5 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate can deliver the necessary antioxidants and minerals to your body. In fact, they are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can even protect you from heart disease. Including dark chocolate with high cocoa content in your diet can affect your health positively. If you are looking for the same, this is the right content for you. Here you will find some comprehensive information on dark chocolate and how it can benefit your overall health and well being.

What is Dark Chocolate?

Before you understand dark chocolate's amazing health benefits and properties, it is important to know what exactly it is and how it is different from other chocolates available. These chocolates are made from the seeds of the cocoa tree. It is also considered one of the best sources of natural antioxidants you can find. Many studies have also shown that dark chocolates have many health benefits, including their positive effect on heart health.

Surprisingly Nutritious

You can enjoy high nutritional properties if you buy good quality dark chocolate with high cocoa content. On the other hand, it also contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is packed with many minerals. For instance, a 100g of dark chocolate with 70 to 85% cocoa contains the below nutritional profile:

Apart from the above mentioned nutrition, dark chocolates are also high in potassium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. However, you do not have to consume 100g every day. On the other hand, dark chocolate is also high in calories, thus, it is very important to be mindful of the quantity. 

Crucial Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

1. Improves Blood Flow and Lowers Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. It contains flavonoids, which can stimulate the endothelium that produces nitric oxide in the lining of arteries. One of the main functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries for relaxation. This in return lowers the resistance of blood flow.

Studies have shown that cocoa can enhance blood flow as well as lower blood pressure levels. Although this effect is mild, it still can have a positive effect on your blood pressure. However, if you are already taking medicines for blood pressure, you may not have any notable benefit from consuming dark chocolate. But, more research is required to confirm the same.

2. Raises HDL and Protects LDL

Consuming dark chocolate in moderation will help you to improve numerous risk factors for heart disease. For instance, it can protect your body against high cholesterol. In a small study conducted, eating dark chocolate showed a decrease in total bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and triglycerides. 

As LDL may oxidize if it reacts with the free radicals in your body, it can damage the tissues, like the lining of the arteries in your heart. However, cocoa can lower the oxidation-prone forms of LDL. Dark chocolate high in cocoa content has good amounts of antioxidants that get into the bloodstream and shield the lipoproteins from oxidative damage. 

On the other hand, the flavonoids in dark chocolate will also reduce insulin resistance, which is considered a major risk factor for diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

3. Dark Chocolate Reduce Heart Disease Risk

As you can see above, the compounds in dark chocolate are considered to be highly protective of LDL oxidation. Therefore, including it in your diet in moderation will help you to prevent cholesterol build-up in arteries, which results in a lower risk of heart disease. Many studies have also shown that consuming chocolates rich in flavonoids may reduce the risk of heart disease by 9%.

However, as they are high in calories, it is important to be mindful of the consumption of chocolate and ensure you are not consuming too much. Make sure you are not consuming more. An ideal count would be 45 - 50g per week. 

4. May Protect Your Skin from UV Rays

Dark chocolate also contains bioactive compounds that can be great for your skin. They protect your skin from the harsh UV rays and avoid sun damage. They also improve the blood flow to the skin, which in return improves skin density and hydration. Thus, if you are planning a beach vacation this time, consider enjoying some extra dark chocolate. However, chocolates may not replace sunscreen and other protective products, so take adequate steps.

5. Can Enhance Brain Functions

Dark chocolate may also improve brain functions. Some studies have shown that eating chocolate high in flavonoid cocoa has improved blood flow to the brain. This explains why eating chocolate can improve attention, verbal learning as well as memory. The flavonoids in cocoa will also improve cognitive functions in older adults. 

In addition, cocoa also contains stimulant substances like theobromine and caffeine, which have proven properties to improve brain functions. 

Buy Premium Quality Snacks Online

As mentioned above, maintaining a healthy and well planned diet and snack routine is very important for your overall health and well being. Although most people succeed in planning and executing a healthy diet routine, choosing the right snacks is where they fail. However, with the wide product range offered by Healthy Master, you do not have to worry. You can find different types of chocolate-based snacks like choco chip cookies, choco fills, energy bars, and many more provided in the store. 

There is also a huge list of other nutritious snacks from baked chips to healthy and savory dry fruits and nut mixes in the Healthy Master store, from which you can choose the best.

Conclusion

As you can see above, there is a considerable amount of points for including cocoa in your diet as a powerful ingredient. However, this does not mean that you should overconsume it. As it also contains high amounts of calories, it is very important to be mindful of the quantity. Having a small square after dinner may be enough. 

Moreover, it is also very important to choose premium quality chocolate that is rich in cocoa content. Dark chocolate can be a remarkable food if you consume it in moderation. It is not just delicious and silky in your mouth, but also provides many health benefits.