Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the highly treasured foods for both children and adults. Chocolate offers that delicious taste to your taste buds no matter how you eat it: as a candy bar, in a hot drink, or poured over ice cream.

Dark chocolate, also known as black chocolate, contains antioxidants and important micronutrients. Chocolate is made from cocoa, a plant that is rich in antioxidants and minerals. Sugar, milk, cocoa butter, and small amounts of cocoa are the main ingredients of commercial milk chocolate.

Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains considerably more cocoa and less sugar. Let’s understand the benefits of dark chocolate!

Is Dark Chocolate Healthy?

Dark chocolate stands out from the crowd. Dark chocolate production differs slightly from the others. The ingredients used are the same as in other varieties of chocolates namely cocoa liquor, milk powder, and sugar, but the quantities may differ.

Many ingredients in milk and dark chocolate such as sugar, cocoa butter, and cocoa solids are similar. However, the percentage of cocoa solids differs between the two types.

Proven Benefits of Dark Chocolate

The great nutritional value and potential health benefits of dark chocolate have been demonstrated by a number of research-based studies.

For the benefit of the body and the mind, all foods should be seen in a positive light. However, building or strengthening a good relationship with dark chocolate in particular may significantly improve overall health.

Antioxidants are abundant in dark chocolate. One of the most useful flavonols is epicatechin. Chemicals called flavonols, which are derived from plants, lessen inflammation and protect cells from oxidative damage. The dark chocolate benefits include:

Increases Heart Health

Dark chocolate's antioxidants have been proven to lower blood pressure, lessen the risk of clotting, and boost blood circulation to the heart, lowering the chances of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart related disease.

Balances the Immune System

Flavonols keep the immune system from overreacting and minimize oxidative stroke, an imbalance generated by cells fighting free radicals and a prevalent cause of many diseases.

Combats Diabetes

Epicatechin helps the body use insulin more effectively by strengthening and protecting cells, which may help treat or prevent diabetes.

Improves Brain Function

Flavonols, which are found in dark chocolate, enhance memory, reaction time, and visual-spatial awareness in the brain. Though research is still underway, one explanation that has been floated is that flavonoids increase blood flow to the brain.

Dark Chocolate Helps in Weight Loss

When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate can aid in weight loss. Because of its high fiber level and antioxidant content, it helps enhance metabolism, lessen cravings, and encourage feelings of fullness. Choosing dark chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa content means it has greater health benefits and less added sugar.

Boosts Athletic Performance

The epicatechin found in dark chocolate stimulates the formation of nitric oxide in the blood, which improves circulation and reduces the quantity of oxygen used by athletes during moderately strenuous activity.

Reduces Stress

Individuals who consumed dark chocolate reported feeling less worried, and researchers found that the stress hormone cortisol was lower after eating dark chocolate. This could be related to the heart health benefits of dark chocolate, as stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Facts on Dark Chocolate Health Benefits

In some people, chocolate can trigger acid reflux or migraines.

Frequently Asked Questions