"Simply delicious"
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.
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