Did you know that dark chocolate is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium and zync? Yes, it is true! Consuming them in moderation can provide numerous health benefits to your body. The powerful nutrients and antioxidants present in these chocolates can enhance your health and well being. This content will help you to explore some of the main health benefits of dark chocolates, its nutritional information and how you can include it in your diet. 

Learn more about Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates are obtained from cocoa plants, which contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals. Below mentioned is the nutritional value of these chocolates. 

According to studies, 101g of dark chocolate with 70 to 85% cocoa solids provide the below nutrition:

Dark Chocolate and Heart Health

These chocolates can have a positive impact on your heart’s health. Many studies have shown that consuming these chocolates in moderation will enhance your cardiovascular functions in many ways. Some of these factors are:

Rich in Antioxidants

These chocolates are packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, a plant based compound. This compound is known for its anti-inflammatory as well as heart protective properties. On the other hand, these flavonoids also neutralize the free radicals in your body, which if not may lead to oxidative stress and damages to cells. By reducing oxidative stress, dark chocolates will lower the risk of heart disease. It also includes polyphenols and theobromine. 

Improves Blood Flow

They are also known to improve blood flow in the body. The flavonoid content in these chocolates stimulate the lining of your arteries and help them in producing nitric oxide. This in return relaxes the blood vessels in the body, improves blood flow, as well as reduces blood pressure. Low blood pressure means less strain on the heart and reduced risk of developing stroke or heart disease. 

Reduces Cholesterol 

Studies have also shown that moderate consumption of these chocolates also raises HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol). High levels of LDL can lead to the build-up of plaques in the arteries, increase the risk of heart attacks as well as other cardiovascular issues. Thus by reducing the LDL levels, dark chocolates promote better heart health. 

Dark Chocolate and Brain Health

Apart from promoting heart health, they can also have a positive impact on your brain health. It does not matter whether you want to stay sharp at work, or even prepare for an important exam, including these chocolates in your diet can give you a significant boost. 

Improves Cognitive Functions

The flavonoid content in these chocolates also has a profound effect on the brain. As they improve the blood flow to the brain, it enhances the cognitive functions, memory as well as reaction times. This can be particularly beneficial when you are getting old, as the blood circulation can hamper as we age and can result in different neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress

Did you know that having a bite of dark chocolate can enhance your mood? That’s correct! Dark chocolate can instantly lift your mood by stimulating the production of endorphins. This chemical is responsible for making us feel relaxed and happy. Additionally, it also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has properties to enhance your mood. These properties of dark chocolate make it a great choice when you are feeling stressed or anxious. 

Improves Brain Plasticity 

Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience and learning. The flavonoids present in the dark chocolate supports brain plasticity, which helps you with learning, memory, as well as overall cognitive flexibility. This ensures that dark chocolate improves both short-term and long term brain health. 

Dark Chocolate for Weight Management

Apart from heart and brain, dark chocolate can also aid in weight management. Although chocolate is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about weight loss, dark chocolate can be your unexpected ally. On the other hand, they can also satisfy your sweet cravings when you are on a diet. With its slightly bitter, rich taste, they can curb your cravings. 

Other amazing health benefits of dark chocolate are their ability to regulate appetite and lower blood sugar levels. They are also rich in essential nutrients, high in iron, zinc and magnesium. They are also a great source of healthy fats. 

Choosing the Right Type of Dark Chocolate 

In order to maximize the real benefits of dark chocolates, it is important for you to choose the right type. First and foremost, you should check the cocoa percentage. Always look for chocolates that contains at least 70% cocoa. The higher the cocoa content, the lower the sugar and the better the antioxidant properties. You should also avoid chocolates that contain added sugars and fillers. 

Enjoy in Moderation

Although dark chocolates offer numerous health benefits, its still calorie dense. Therefore, it is important to consume them in moderation. Having a piece of dark chocolate a few times a week can be enough to enjoy these health benefits. 

Conclusion

As mentioned above, dark chocolates are rich in antioxidants and minerals, and contain less sugar than milk chocolates. They are not just a treat for your taste buds, but also considered as a powerful snack that enhances your heart and brain health. Therefore, by choosing high quality dark chocolate snacks and consuming them in moderation will help you to enjoy all these benefits. 

Apart from dark chocolate, if you are looking for other healthy snacks, you can find some of the best provided by Healthy Master. From baked chips to dry fruits and nuts, you will find a plethora of healthy snacks in the store from which you can choose the best for your needs.