32 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
The widely-acclaimed health benefits of chocolate are most observed when consuming chocolate with at least 70% cacao content, as the higher the cocoa content, the more beneficial flavonols the chocolate contains.
The healthiest options are generally considered dark chocolate (with high flavonoid content) and raw cocoa power.
Health professionals generally recommend consuming no more than 1-2 ounces a day (30-60 grams). Check to ensure the chocolate has a low sugar amount, avoids the use of artificial sweeteners (honey is a good replacement), and contains fat from cocoa butter or coconut oil.
1. Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols, specifically) - dark chocolate has an even higher antioxidant content than blueberries, cranberries, and acai berries.
2. High in fiber
3. High in minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus
4. Raises HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels
5. Lowers total cholesterol and protects LDL from oxidation (oxidized LDL has reacted with free radicals and is capable of damaging other tissues, such as the lining of your coronary arteries)
6. Increases circulation and improves blood flow
7. Lowers blood pressure - flavonoids and magnesium in dark chocolate improve vascular function and lower BP
8. Thins blood and reduces risk of clots
9. Lowers stroke and heart disease risk
10. Cocoa has immunoregulatory properties that balance the immune system
11. Flavonols in dark chocolate reduce oxidative stress and protect against cell damage from free radicals
12. Fights inflammation, including neuroinflammation
13. Enhances insulin sensitivity and helps maintain blood sugar levels prevent type II diabetes
14. Improves memory, problem solving skills, attention span, and reaction time in the short term - cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, and flavonoids increase blood flow to the brain
15. Boosts brain function in the long-term - cocoa has been shown to increase cognitive function and verbal fluency even in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may also promote brain hyperplasticity, the ability to adapt and learn new skills.
16. Helps stave off Alzheimer's disease by increasing blood flow to brain and decreasing buildup of saturated fats
17. Flavonols build up the skin's UV resistance
18. Flavonols also boost skin health by aiding in hydration and blood flow
19. Theobromine in dark chocolate hardens tooth enamel, which wards off tooth decay and cavities
20. Enhances vision (flavanols may boost visual acuity and contrast sensitivity)
21. Boosts athletic performance - the epitachin in dark chocolate boosts nitric oxide production in the blood, which reduces the amount of oxygen used in moderately intense exercise
22. Reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol
23. Increases levels of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which boosts mood
24. Helps stave off cancer (because of its richness in flavonoids)
25. Reduces signs of aging, including wrinkles, and may reduce epigenetic aging as well
26. The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation
27. Increases the probiotics Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, which prevent intestinal inflammation and further ferment dark chocolate into short-chain fatty acids, which help fight off other damaging microbes in the gut
28. Helps relieve symptoms of 'leaky gut,' in which there is an increased gap in the intestinal wall's lining that allows toxic particles to directly enter the bloodstream
29. Theobromine in dark chocolate is thought to be an effective cough remedy and asthma symptom reducer.
30. Aids weight loss by decreasing fat absorption in the body and keeping sweet cravings in check.
31. Helps prevent preeclampsia in pregnant women.
32. May help prevent scalp infections and hair loss, as it increases blood flow to the scalp and reduces inflammation.
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References:
https://eattroo.com/gut-health...
https://www.scientificamerican...
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https://www.webmd.com/diet/new...
https://firstquotehealth.com/h...
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https://www.organicfacts.net/h...
