5 Health Benefits Of Eating Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is among the innumerable derivatives of cacao tree beans. It tastes a bit bitter and so not popular among many folks. However, it’s several health and wonders goes to supply which makes it a lot desirable than the regular sort of chocolate. Like its parent fruit, dark chocolate is additionally full of potent antioxidants and contains numerous essential nutrients that assist you to remain beautiful and healthy. Powerful antioxidants like flavonoids facilitate to avoid cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, it conjointly works to keep your blood cholesterol level under control. Seamless vision is another health advantage offered by this amazing ingredient.

# Prevents Heart Diseases

As it contains antioxidants like flavonoids. Antioxidants are the most effective components that a body can produce as these have the ability to stop aging by free radicals which can cause heart diseases.

# Maintains Glucose Levels

It is really hard to believe that a substance enriched with sugar can actually balance the glucose levels.

# Protects against chronic diseases

Dark chocolate is full of polyphenols, an organic compound in plants. Findings from a 2018 mini-review suggest that polyphenols may have a positive effect on your health, including weight, chronic disease, cell proliferation, and metabolism regulation.

More specifically, research from the study indicates that diets rich in polyphenols may protect against certain cancers, heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, Type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and more. In addition to dark chocolate, some of the best-known sources of this powerhouse compound are red wine, berries, and tea.

# Improves insulin sensitivity

Dark chocolate is made of cocoa, which is rich in flavanols—the main type of flavonoid in cocoa and chocolate, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Flavanols are plant chemicals that have many health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavanols can also improve how the body metabolizes glucose by reducing oxidative stress, which Guzak says can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, some research suggests that polyphenols may influence glycemia (glucose in the blood) and Type 2 diabetes through different mechanisms, such as promoting the uptake of glucose in tissues and therefore improving insulin sensitivity.

# Boosts brain function

Nibbling on some dark chocolate could boost brain function. Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve cognitive function by increasing the blood flow to the area. In fact, one 2015 double-blind controlled study showed that regularly eating cocoa flavanols can reduce some measures of age-related cognitive dysfunction in older adults.

What’s more, this same study, which included 90 elderly adults, found an association between improved cognition and a reduction in insulin resistance. This may point to an influential role of glucose metabolism in regulating cognitive function. Dark chocolate also stimulates the areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward, which may decrease stress and improve mood.