The world is divided over Benefits of dark chocolate. While some see it as a scrumptious treat, others view it as a bitter poison. However, regardless of the perception around this confectionary product, you cannot ignore the fact that many studies have linked regular consumption of dark chocolate with certain health benefits of Dark Chocolate. In this article, we explore the 10 benefits of dark chocolate and why you should include it in your diet.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:1) Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from toxins and free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and lead to various serious diseases. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids like catching, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins, which are widely studied for their many health benefits.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate may help to reduce your blood pressure, protect against heart disease and stroke, improve your brain function and mood, reduce the risk of macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness among older people), and even improve your immune system.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:2) Helps fight inflammation
Studies have shown that dark chocolate can reduce inflammation and be beneficial in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic responses. Theo bromine and phenethylamine mine found in dark chocolate help reduce inflammation in your body by inhibiting the enzyme (COX-2) responsible for increasing your body’s inflammatory response.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:3) Promotes heart health
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are very effective in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol levels, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that regular dark chocolate consumption may reduce your risk of stroke and coronary heart disease by up to 40%. Because it’s high in saturated fat, you should be careful not to overindulge in dark chocolate if you have high cholesterol. Plus, if your cholesterol is normal, you should have 3 to 4 times less than normal people because of the high-cholesterol content in dark chocolate.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:4) It May help reduce depression and anxiety
Eating too much dark chocolate may indeed make you feel more anxious and depressed, but that would not be due to the presence of flavonoids. Theobromine, phenethylamine, and tryptophan found in dark chocolate have also been linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety. The mood-boosting effects of dark chocolate are attributed to tryptophan, an amino acid that is used to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood and sexual desire.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:5) Dark chocolate helps lose weight
Healthy fats, fiber, protein, and certain minerals found in dark chocolate, such as iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, are hormones that help balance your blood sugar and boost your metabolism. This helps you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and prevent diabetes. If you eat dark chocolate frequently, you will develop a tolerance to the beneficial effects of these ingredients. In that case, try combining dark chocolate with other snacks, such as granola bars and dried fruits, to get the best results from each snack.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate:6) Protects your eyes
Dark chocolate contains flavone, an antioxidant that is beneficial for your eyes. Studies have shown that eating 4 to 5 servings of dark chocolate per week can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 39%. Studies have shown that flavone in dark chocolate can reduce oxidative stress and increase blood flow to your retina, thereby preventing or slowing down the progression of AMD.
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Conclusion
Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium, iron, and manganese, which can help improve your nervous system. It can also help reduce PMS symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, and cramps. Including dark chocolate in your diet can have a plethora of health benefits, provided you consume it in moderation. For maximum health benefits, make sure the chocolate you eat is at least 70% cocoa content and check the ingredients to make sure no milk or sugar has been added.