We'll take dark chocolate in whatever form we can get our hands-on.
Fortunately, there are a variety of factors that make this pleasure almost guilt-free (in moderation, of course).
For starters, we already know that black chocolate is more nutritious than white chocolate and milk chocolate. One ounce of dark chocolate contains a plethora of antioxidants and flavonols, as well as vitamins and minerals.
However, there are also less well-known benefits to indulging in the (bitter)sweet confection. Dark chocolate has been scientifically proved to keep your brain bright, your ticker ticking, and your skin protected from the sun's damaging rays for a longer period of time than regular chocolate (yes, really). In accordance with recent research from Northern Arizona University, dark chocolate may be the secret to overcoming the noon slump.
Here are several ways that dark chocolate may benefit your health.
Regular intake of modest amounts of dark chocolate is associated with a reduced body mass index (BMI). The frequency of chocolate intake (as determined by a questionnaire) and BMI (weight divided by height in meters squared) were measured in 1,018 ranging in age from 20 to 85.
Mood, physical activity over seven days, fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as saturated fat intake, were all taken into consideration and incorporated into the researchers' study. Overall, the association between chocolate intake and a low BMI was shown to be valid. The average age of the participants was 57, with 68 percent of them being male. They had a BMI of 28, ate dark chocolate twice a week, and exercised about 3.5 times a week on average.
1. Increase Cognitive Capacity
Dark chocolate has been shown to increase cognitive capacity. Eating dark chocolate may provide a short-term boost to your brain, boosting your alertness for two to three hours. One of the most important components of dark chocolate, flavonols, dilates blood vessels, enabling more oxygen and blood to reach critical regions of the brain, which may help you fight tiredness and the consequences of aging.
Flavanols are found in small amounts in dark chocolate. Although the research participants drank a flavanol-rich cocoa drink, they may consume dark chocolate on its own—or with other foods high in flavanols such as red wine, green tea, and blueberries—to reap the benefits of the study.
2. Help You See Better
Dark chocolate may also help you see better, so put down the carrots and indulge. In their study, the researchers discovered that participants who consumed dark chocolate containing 720 mg of cocoa flavanols had improved visual performance (such as detecting motion and reading low-contrast letters), which they believe was caused by an increase in blood flow to the retina and brain.
When you consume dark chocolate, “good” bacteria in your stomach feast on it, fermenting it into anti-inflammatory chemicals that are beneficial to your heart. The chocolate powder contains antioxidants and fiber that are not completely digested until they reach the colon, where they are taken into the body, decreasing inflammation in cardiovascular tissue and lowering the risk of stroke over the long run.
You should consume dark chocolate daily in addition to sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV radiation. But not just any dark chocolate will do; it must be carefully made with high flavanol levels that have been maintained (manufacturing processes destroy the integrity of flavonols).
3. Help Improve Blood Flow
Eating a little piece of dark chocolate every day may help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure levels in those who have slightly high blood pressure. Participants (44 in total) ranging in age from 56 to 73 years old who ingested about 6 grams of dark chocolate (containing 30 mg of polyphenols) each day for 18 weeks saw a reduction in the prevalence of hypertension from 86 percent to 68 percent, according to the study.
Dark chocolate helps to increase healthy cholesterol levels (HDL). In addition to decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the antioxidant capacity of good cholesterol (HDL), the polyphenols found in cocoa powder and dark chocolate may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Summary
Dark chocolate has a high concentration of antioxidants and minerals, and it often contains less sugar than milk chocolate.
According to some studies, dark chocolate may help decrease the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, and enhance cognitive function in addition to other benefits.
If you're thinking about including dark chocolate in your diet, bear in mind that it is rich in fat and calories, so moderation is essential.
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