Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate containing higher amounts of cocoa compared to other chocolates. Dark chocolate that does not contain added sweetener is known as bitter or unsweetened chocolate. It is made from Theobroma cacao seeds and has many additional benefits. Dark chocolate was a beverage that originated in Central and South America circa 1900 B.C. Dark chocolate contains around 50-90% cocoa solids making it a healthier substitute for other chocolates. Here are twenty more benefits to eating dark chocolate.
1. Nutritious
The higher the cocoa content, the more nutritious the chocolate. Dark chocolate contains soluble fiber and is high in minerals. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, and some types may even help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
2. High In Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is known to be a rich source of antioxidants. It also contains organic compounds that may function as antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce the risk of several diseases and protect cells against free radicals.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
The bioactive compounds present in cocoa may help in improving blood flow. Research has shown that dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure, although the effect may be mild. It also improves cardiovascular health.
4. Reduces Risk Of Heart Diseases
Dark chocolate is highly protective against the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also known as ‘bad cholesterol.’ Flavanol-rich cocoa and chocolate can lower blood pressure.
5. Protects Skin From Sun
Consuming dark chocolate can be beneficial to your skin. As per studies, minimal erythemal dose (MED) increases after consumption of flavanol-rich dark chocolate or cocoa for around 12 weeks, protecting the skin from the sun’s UltraViolet rays.
6. Improve Brain Function
Dark chocolate can also help improve brain functioning and attention. Cocoa flavonoids in dark chocolate may help improve cognitive functioning in adults with mild cognitive impairment. Cocoa also contains caffeine and theobromine, which improves brain functioning in the short term.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Although inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful substances, chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissue, increasing the risk of health issues like type 2 diabetes, arthritis, etc. Dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce inflammation.
8. Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance refers to when the cells in the body do not react to insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream. According to a study, 70% dark chocolate may help reduce insulin resistance.
9. Microbiome Diversity
Eating dark chocolate can be beneficial to the guts and aid in digestion. Consuming 85% dark chocolate can also help elevate mood.
10. Rich In Flavanols
A type of flavonoid found in plants like the cocoa tree is flavanols. Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate contains higher amounts of flavanol-rich cocoa solids. Flavanols are known to be beneficial for having anti-aging properties.
11. Non-Dairy
Milk chocolate contains milk solids and some quantity of milk, unlike dark chocolate. Dark chocolate can also be considered non-dairy. It makes for a perfect substitute if you are sensitive to dairy.
12. High In Fiber
As discussed earlier, dark chocolate is rich in fiber. An ounce of dark chocolate contains as much as 4 grams of fiber. It also contains iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and other minerals.
13. Enhances Mood
If you’re feeling down or low, dark chocolate can help alleviate some stress. Dark chocolate is associated with pleasure and enjoyment. Polyphenols in dark chocolate lower the stress hormone known as cortisol, thereby elevating the mood.
14. It May Help With Weight Loss
As per some studies, dark chocolate can help control appetite, promoting weight loss. However, moderation is necessary for its consumption. It also helps in improving metabolism and overall gut health.
15. Prevention Of Cancer
There is not much evidence for this claim, but dark chocolate has some properties that can prevent cell damage (precursor to many types of cancers). Epicatechin, one of the flavonoids in dark chocolate, has cancer-fighting properties.
16. Resists Cell Damage
The antioxidants in dark chocolate play a massive role in preventing tissue damage. The increasing levels of free radicals can cause several problems. Dark chocolate helps in the prevention of such issues and is also helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
17. Helps With Depression
Since dark chocolate is a feel-good snack, it lowers the risk of depression. The flavonoids, theobromine, N-acylethanolamines, and Phenylethylamine trigger dopamine and help with stress and depression.
18. Reduces Risk Of Diabetes
Polyphenols in dark chocolate that improve insulin resistance help in fighting against diabetes. A study in Appetite Journal revealed that people who consume dark chocolate less frequently are more prone to develop diabetes compared to those who consume dark chocolate once a week.
19. Improve Vision
A few test studies revealed that people who consumed dark chocolate had reported better vision after 2 hours compared to those who ingested milk chocolate. While dark chocolate offers temporary vision, it is unknown how long the effect can last.
20. Help With Anxiety
Dark chocolate helps ease anxiety and has neuroprotective effects. Some researchers suggest that the delicious taste of dark chocolate helps people with mood disorders.
