6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Eating Dark Chocolate

Who doesn’t love chocolate? When it comes to a beloved treat, chocolate is a common favourite. But before you grab a chocolate candy bar or slice of chocolate cake, it’s important to understand that not all forms of chocolate (especially milk chocolate that is loaded with other fats and sugar) contain high levels of flavanols. To all the chocolate lovers out there, rejoice! Dark chocolate is not a guilty pleasure. Luckily, there are myriad reasons that make this treat nearly guilt-free (in moderation, of course) and improve your well-being in many ways. Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it’s one of the best sources of antioxidants you can find. So, without giving a second thought, make this bittersweet treat a superfood favourite! Now, take a look at what dark chocolate benefits offer.

# Lowers Blood Pressure

A healthy diet, exercise, and losing excess weight are important for lowering high blood pressure. But eating a small amount of dark chocolate daily is a dietary change that reduces blood pressure efficiently. Dark chocolate contains at least 50 to 70 per cent cocoa and incorporating it into your diet is a great way in lowering your high blood pressure! The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to produce nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax and thus helps.

Make sure to avoid overindulging as it might blow your calorie budget, and packing on pounds could raise blood pressure. So portion control may help you have your dark chocolate and reap its health benefits.

# Improves Brain Power

Dark chocolate is known to improve the function of the brain. Eating high flavanol cocoa for 5 days increases blood flow to the brain and thus helps in improving learning, memory, and focus. Increased cerebral flow may help prevent mental decline in seniors. The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to increase performance in specific tasks, boost general alertness and problem-solving skills over a short period.

# Protects Against Cancer

When it comes to fighting cancer, the answer is simple: Cocoa! Dark chocolate contains cocoa that may help prevent cancer in many ways, including preventing DNA damage, lowering inflammation, and inhibiting cell proliferation.

In combination with a pleasurable eating experience, cocoa products may offer strong antioxidant effects. Cocoa may help prevent cancer but those undergoing chemotherapy should avoid it because of its antioxidant effects. Some antioxidants might interfere with some types of chemotherapy.

# Improves Cholesterol

Including dark chocolate in your routine can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. Dark chocolate, as it contains more cocoa than other palatable chocolate products, has higher amounts of flavonoids. Flavonoids are more likely to exert a protective effect against heart disease.

Cocoa powder is found to significantly increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower total LDL (bad). But, that doesn’t mean you should eat it with every meal. If you’re serious about lowering your cholesterol, eating dark chocolate should be part of a change toward a healthier lifestyle. Make sure to choose products with a high cocoa content that have the least amount of processing.

# Boosts Immune System

Want to give your immune system a boost? Here’s a tasty treat: eat a small amount of dark chocolate! Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate with at least 50 to 70 per cent cacao can provide stronger protection against influenza virus infection. It also enhances blood flow, improves gut health, and eases stress — all effects that may indirectly strengthen your immune system.

Dark chocolate with higher levels of flavonoids (a class of antioxidants) can protect our cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

# Prevents Depression & Improves Mood

Studies have shown that eating dark chocolate can help reduce anxiety and improve symptoms of clinical depression. The higher concentration of flavonoids, antioxidant chemicals in dark chocolate improve inflammatory profiles, which are responsible for the onset of depression.

Dark chocolate is widely reported to have mood‐enhancing properties. It can be a feel-good indulgence. The existence of fatty acids (stearic and palmitic acids) along with health-enriching flavonoids in dark chocolate has the potential to increase neural activity in parts of the brain linked to pleasure thus making one happier and better.