HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE

Chocolate was once criticized for its fat content and associated with acne, cavities, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, rather than being used as a remedy. This perception, however, has been altered by the recent discovery of biologically active phenolic compounds in cocoa, which has also prompted research on its effects on aging, oxidative stress, blood pressure control, and atherosclerosis. Today, chocolate is praised for having a high antioxidant capacity.

Following are the few ways research has shown that dark chocolate can be beneficial:

INCREASES HEART HEALTH The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, and death from heart disease.

BALANCES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Flavonols prevent the immune system from going into overdrive and reduce oxidative stress, which is an imbalance caused by cells fighting against free radicals and a common cause of many diseases.

COMBATS DIABETES Epicatechin protects cells, makes them stronger and supports the processes that help the body to use insulin better, which might prevent or combat diabetes.

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION Flavonols in dark chocolate have a positive impact on brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness, and stronger memory. Though research is ongoing, one reason for this may be that flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.

BOOSTS ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE The epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, which supports circulation and reduces the amount of oxygen an athlete uses while engaged in moderately intense exercise. This allows the athlete to maintain workout intensity for longer.

REDUCES STRESS People who ate dark chocolate reported that they felt less stressed, and researchers confirmed that after eating dark chocolate, there were reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This may be related to dark chocolate’s effects on heart health since stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

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