Benefits, Nutrition and More About DARK Chocolate

There is nothing that a bar of traditional chocolate can’t fix. Whether you are 5 or 50, everyone enjoys this sweet delicacy. White, Milk, and Dark chocolate are the three basic varieties sold, and all three are equally popular.

However, in this piece, we’ll focus on dark chocolate’s health advantages and how it’s come to be known as a household name.

The cacao plant, which is mostly found in West Africa, South America, and Australia, is the source of chocolate. The fact that cacao seeds were first transformed into chocolate by The Olmec, a prehistoric culture from Mexico, is remarkable.

After there, it traveled throughout Spain and Europe before being shared with the rest of the world during the Industrial Revolution.

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Facts on Dark Chocolate’s Nutrition

It is abundant in flavonoids and antioxidants, which can prevent oxidative cell damage and reduce inflammation. Together, these can help treat Alzheimer’s disease and potentially fend off diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders.

Eating more than that could indicate that one is possibly ingesting too many calories together with an increased amount of caffeine, which can result in nausea, a racing heart, and trouble sleeping.

5 Dark Chocolate Health Benefits That Are Proven

Now, enjoying this bittersweet delight can be a benefit of having a sweet taste. Numerous studies using solid evidence have demonstrated how healthy and nutrient-dense dark chocolate is.

1. Chocolate Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Conditions

In the entire world, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main killers. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are the most frequent causes of this condition. Fruits and vegetables are great for preventing CVD because they are high in flavonoids, according to some epidemiological studies. Similarly to this, cacao’s high flavonoid content has been shown to lower the risk of CVD.

The effects of dark chocolate consumption over the long term were investigated by the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program. According to the study, those who drink dark chocolate have a lower cardiac mortality rate than those who have never tried it. Thus, it is hypothesized that flavanols act as cardioprotective agents when present in sufficient quantities, reducing the risk of heart disease.

2. Blood Pressure is lower by Chocolate

The Harvard School of Public Study’s observational investigation supports the association between blood pressure and cacao. It discusses the medicinal properties (flavonoids) of dark chocolate, which has a 50–70% cocoa content and is useful for decreasing blood pressure.

Nitric Oxide production by the endothelium, the thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels and regulates vascular contraction and relaxation, is also aided by flavonoids. Nitric oxide is released, which dilates blood vessels, boosts blood flow, and lowers blood pressure.

3. Chocolate Treats Depression

Dark chocolate is connected to a lower risk of depression in addition to the pleasure it brings when consumed. It has been shown that persons who consume 24 grams or less of dark chocolate each day may have antidepressant benefits.

With its combination of flavonoids (known to boost mood), theobromine (provides energy), N-acyl ethanolamines (a fatty acid that has a euphoric impact), and phenylethylamine (triggers dopamine), this helps alleviate depression.

Between 2007-2008 and 2013-2014, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted a thorough survey. This study examined the link between dark chocolate and depression in 13,626 US-based adults.

According to the study’s findings, eating dark chocolate may directly correlate with a lower risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms.

4. Chocolate Protects Skin from Sun Damage

It not only causes the body to create happy hormones, but it also makes your skin cheerful. Vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as minerals and nutrients including calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and zinc, are all abundant in dark chocolate.

Together, they shield your skin from UV rays, reduce inflammation and blemishes, boost collagen formation, and more. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that soothe sensitive skin.

5. Chocolate Boosts Weight Loss

Consuming dark chocolate in moderation can aid in the weight loss process. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids, which boost metabolism and burn calories quickly. Dark chocolate also reduces cravings when consumed 20 minutes before a meal.

Interestingly, the magnesium and antioxidants in dark chocolate help to relieve pain, which encourages people to exercise. This can be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight.