The Ketogenic diet is a top-rated popular program among health enthusiasts. It consists of a low-carb, high-fat diet, beneficial for weight loss and lowering blood sugar levels. However, even the most die-hard Keto dieters sometimes have food cravings, especially when chocolate is involved. While this is not good for Keto dieters and health enthusiasts in general, there is one way to satisfy your craving without compromising your health: eating Keto chocolate. Staying true to your diet by eating Keto chocolates offers many benefits, some of which are discussed below:
Highly Nutritious
Keto chocolates are known for their high nutrient content. They are rich in protein, an important macronutrient that is essential for muscle growth. Reputable brands contain whey protein isolates, which can be easily absorbed by the body. This fact is vital for health enthusiasts trying to achieve a particular physique.
The fatty acid profile of Keto chocolates is also great for dieters. It contains just enough saturated and polyunsaturated fats to provide energy. What is more, they can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Great Source of Antioxidants
Most Keto chocolate brands have high levels of cocoa, which is known for being rich in antioxidants. Compared to other foods, cocoa contains a much wider variety of powerful antioxidants.
Based on a recent study, cocoa has a very high oxygen radical absorbance capacity, which indicates the antioxidant activity of foods. This can be attributed to its biologically active organic compounds, including polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, and many others.
Helps Lower the Blood Pressure
Aside from being a good source of powerful antioxidants, Keto chocolate can also help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. The flavanols from cocoa can stimulate the lining of the arteries known as the endothelium, facilitating the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide sends signals to the arteries, making them relax. This leads to the reduction of blood flow resistance, which lowers blood pressure.
Helps Reduce High Cholesterol
As mentioned above, Keto chocolates can help reduce the risk of heart diseases. Again, this can be attributed to its high cocoa content. In a study done by health experts, cocoa exhibited the ability to significantly reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol in male subjects. The same study also showed that cocoa could increase the HDL and lower the LDL for subjects with high cholesterol.
LDL or low-density lipoprotein is widely considered as a bad form of cholesterol that contributes to the buildup of fatty acids in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. People suffering from this disorder have narrowed arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health issues.
Helps Improve Higher Brain Functions
The health benefits of Keto chocolates extend far beyond weight loss or building muscles. The flavanols in cocoa-rich Keto chocolates can also help improve certain brain functions. In a study done on healthy volunteers, results showed that eating foods rich in flavonol improved blood flow to the brain. Another study proved that cocoa might significantly improve cognitive function in older people, even those suffering from mental impairment. In addition, it enhanced verbal fluency while reducing the risk factors for several diseases.
It is Low in Gluten
Most traditional chocolates use flour, barley, malt, and other ingredients that contain gluten. If you are sensitive to it or have celiac disease, this could be a problem. Most brands of Keto chocolates are gluten-free, which means that you do not have to worry about its health effects.
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