Here is some good news for all the chocoholics out there, Dark chocolate is packed with nutrients that can positively affect your health.
Dark chocolate with a cacao content above 75 percent is considered the new superfood because of the several health benefits. Much of dark chocolate’s goodness comes from its vital component, flavonoids, which have high antioxidant abilities.
Here are 9 Reasons Why Dark Chocolate is Good For You. (backed by science)
1. Enhances Heart Health
The compounds in dark chocolate seem to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL, which means less cholesterol to stick in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.
The cocoa flavonoids in dark chocolate are beneficial for the heart and have been found to promote heart health and considerably reduce heart disease.
A study on 4970 participants aged 25-93 showed that eating dark chocolate more than five times per week reduced the risk of heart disease by 57% (1)
2. Very Nutritious
On top of all the possible benefits, one thing is sure: Dark chocolate contains a ton of nutrients. But, of course, this depends on the quality of the dark chocolate.
A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 75–85% cocoa contains (2):
- 11 grams of fibre
- RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
- Iron: 67%
- Copper: 89%
- Magnesium: 58%
- Manganese: 98%
In addition to these, It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.
3. Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is loaded with biologically active organic compounds that work as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavonols, and catechins, among others.
One research showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had higher antioxidant activity, polyphenols, and flavanols than any other fruits tested, including blueberries and acai berries. (3)
4. Dark Chocolate Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate or widen, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. (4)
Numerous studies have shown that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. (5)
So if you ever have high blood pressure, have a couple pieces of dark chocolate.
5. It’s Good for Your Skin
Dark chocolate is loaded with minerals like copper, iron, and magnesium, to name a few, that are extremely helpful for your skin. Manganese, for example, supports the production of collagen, a protein that helps keep skin looking young, vibrant and healthy.
A study found that the flavonols in dark chocolate can help protect your skin against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. (6)
6. Improve Brain Function
Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate can help improve your brain function.
Flavanols, one of dark chocolate’s key components, dilate blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and blood to reach critical areas of the brain, which can help you fight against fatigue and improve performance in tasks. (7)
Next time you need to boost your brain before a meeting or a test, just eat a few pieces of dark chocolate.
7. Boosts Your Immune System
Dark chocolate’s rich antioxidant content and some of the other mechanisms of nutrients make it a treat for your immune system. Cocoa has been shown to change the inflammatory response of your immune system. This is because of a chemical compound they have called Flavonoids which are generally associated with anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Contributes to Weight Loss
Eating dark chocolate can control cravings because its high satiety value can help make you feel full for a longer time. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which stimulate metabolism to burn fat.
A recent study found that chocolate has a type of fibre called prebiotics (not to be confused with probiotics) that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The more “good” microbes are in your system, the better your body can absorb nutrients and support a healthy metabolism. (8)
9. Helps prevent cancer
When we have too many free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules believed to be responsible for ageing and disease in our body, they start to attack our cells, leading to inflammation and some diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
The high amounts of antioxidants present in dark chocolate can help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals preventing the said diseases. (9)