Dark chocolate has recently been discovered to
have a number of healthy benefits. While eating dark chocolate can lead to the
health benefits described below, remember that chocolate is also high in fat.
Use FitDay to keep track of your calories and nutrition as you work towards
your weight loss goals.
1) Dark Chocolate is Good
for Your Heart
Studies show that eating
a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower
your blood pressure. Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the
formation of blood clots. Eating dark chocolate may also prevent
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
2) Dark Chocolate is Good
for Your Brain
Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as
well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate
also helps reduce your risk of stroke.
Dark chocolate also contains several chemical
compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health.
Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates
when you feel like you're falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release
endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.
Dark chocolate also
contains caffeine, a mild stimulant. However, dark chocolate contains much less
caffeine than coffee. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of
caffeine, compared to the 200 mg found in an eight ounce cup of coffee
3) Dark Chocolate Helps
Control Blood Sugar
Dark chocolate helps
keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect
against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce
insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the
ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low
glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels
4) Dark Chocolate is Full
of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is loaded
with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which
cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging
process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like
dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of
aging
5) Dark Chocolate Contains
Theobromine
Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been
shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other
sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental
hygiene.
Theobromine is also a
mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help to
suppress coughs
6) Dark Chocolate is High
in Vitamins and Minerals
Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and
minerals that can support your health. Dark chocolate contains some of the
following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations:
*
Potassium
*
Copper
*
Magnesium
*
Iron
The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help
prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate
protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps
prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
