Chocolate is something which is not only liked by kids but adults too have fun enjoying it.

Especially, If we talk about kids, they don’t know what is healthy and unhealthy for them. In such cases, parents are seen as responsible for such habits of their kids, but do you know dark chocolate’s health benefits! They are made up of many nutritions and have many positive effects.

Here is the list of health benefits you can have from dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is made up of a seed known as cocoa which is known to be the best source of antioxidants, helps in reducing heart related issues, etc.

Make sure to have a sugar free dark chocolate if an adult or your kids are eager to have one. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of dark chocolate every choco lover should know backed by science –

Nutrition packed

Dark chocolate contains –

  • Fiber
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Zinc
  • Selenium

100 grams of dark chocolate contains 600 calories and moderate sugar. It also has a good amount of –

  • High calories
  • Fatty acids
  • Saturated fat
  • Monounsaturated fat
  • Polyunsaturated fat
  • Caffeine
  • Theobromine

Good source of antioxidants

  • Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that helps the body by killing free radicals causing oxidative stress.
  • Raw cocoa beans are known to be one of the richest sources of antioxidants.
  • Also dark chocolate contains organic compounds that help them keep an active oxidant.
  • While comparing it with other foods dark chocolate has more antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonols, etc.

Control high blood pressure

  • Flavonols present in dark chocolate helps in the healing artery lining.
  • Also, it aids in producing nitric acid which leads to relaxing artery muscles.
  • Eventually leads to normal blood flow and controls high bp.
  • Many studies suggest that cocoa present in dark chocolate eases blood flow and helps in controlling high blood pressure.

Raises Good cholesterol levels

  • If you are a chocolate lover then it could be good for you as it reduces the risk of diseases associated with the heart.
  • According to many studies, cocoa helps in reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels.
  • The reason behind that is the antioxidants present in cocoa helps by reducing oxidative stress caused by many factors.
  • It is also seen that dark chocolate also helps people with diabetes and insulin sensitivity.

Reduces the risk of heart diseases

  • Using dark chocolate for a long time reduces the production of bad cholesterol.
  • Which helps relax artery muscles and reduces heart related issues.
  • Studies suggest that If used for the long term – many benefits are observed.

Good for skin

  • The Nutritional value present in dark chocolate not only protects skin from UV rays.
  • Polyphenols present in it also help in healing skin from sun damage.
  • Along with that dark chocolate benefits in keeping blood flow in the normal range, keeping you hydrated, and most importantly increases skin density.

Improves brain function

  • Apart from other health benefits, dark chocolate benefits the brain.
  • Consuming high polyphenols levels cocoa 5 days a week helps ease blood flow to the brain.
  • It is seen in many studies that cocoa consumption in older people helps them in getting better cognitive function.
  • Also helps people with speech impairment and reduces such factors.

Lastly

Many studies have shown evidence of dark chocolate benefits, especially in people at risk of heart diseases.

Also, it never means you start having dark chocolate instead of meals, as they are high in calories, and consuming it in larger amounts may cause obesity.

If you are looking for dark chocolate health benefits at their best, then make sure to have sugar free one.

Also make sure to read the ingredients label before buying dark chocolate, assure that dark chocolate you buy contains at least 70 percent or more cocoa. It can be taken in a small amount after dinner.

FAQS – Dark chocolate health benefits

What is the best time to eat dark chocolate?

  • As per the expert’s recommendations, it can be eaten on an empty stomach.
  • If you wish to have it after a solid food meal – you should wait for 30 minutes.

Is it OK to eat dark chocolate every day?

  • According to many experts, you can have quality dark chocolate daily, but make sure to have it between 30 to 60 grams per day.

What are the disadvantages of dark chocolate?

If consumed in large amounts can cause –

  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Migraine 
  • Insomnia 
  • Irritation, etc 

Is dark chocolate good for your health?

  • Yes, it can be, If additional sugar and saturated fat is not included.

What are the benefits of eating dark chocolate?

  • Antioxidant properties
  • Full of nutritions
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues
  • Good for skin
  • Helps in improving brain function

How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?

  • Make sure not to have more than 28 grams of dark chocolate per day.

References –

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