7 Ways Dark Chocolate is Beneficial for the Health

Right from a tender age, many people were told to avoid sweet things, chocolate inclusive. However, dark chocolate is not a guilty pleasure as there are many health benefits, especially those with a high proportion of cocoa. The real dark chocolate that hasn’t been processed and laden with additives can reward users with incredible health benefits.

Dark chocolate is rich in phytonutrients known as flavonoids. According to research, these are plant chemicals that are body antioxidants and help with weight management, heart health, cancer prevention. 

The target should be dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content as it is full of nutrients and has limited sugar content. Here are some benefits one can expect from the consumption of dark chocolate.

1. It Can Fight Free Radicals

Dark chocolate stands out for its ability to combat free radicals. Some cellular processes in the body trigger the release of free radicals. When these get created, it sets the stage for some disease and can also contribute to inflammation. However, antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and reverse any damage done by these radicals in the body. 

Dark chocolate is an impressive source of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. Cocoa, the source of dark chocolate, does come with rich content of these two antioxidants, much better than what users will get from wine or tea. As a result, aim for a chocolate bar with higher cocoa content. It is rich in antioxidants, which translate to optimum protection.

2. Dark chocolate can Suppress Appetite.

Everyone that wants to regulate their weight can fall in love with dark chocolate. According to a study, dark chocolate satisfies people more than milk chocolate, suppressing the craving for sweet and fatty foods. 

As a result, if you are craving pizza or a food item that can work against your weight management goal, dark chocolate can help suppress it. One can use dark chocolate as a snack in between meals. It can keep you full and reduce the tendency to eat more. Personalized chocolates might even be the perfect gift for your spouse trying to lose body fat. 

3. Dark chocolate can boost the Immune System.

Another advantage that comes from the antioxidant content of dark chocolate is an enhancement of the immune system. There are some mechanisms in cocoa with which it can regulate the body’s immune system’s inflammatory response. 

When there is an infection, wound, germs, or other pathogens, the tissue responds through inflammation. Flavanoid, one of the antioxidants, is rich in antioxidant capacity, and dark chocolate is one of them. Some of the body cells are charged with antibodies’ production – the body’s defense system against disease. Cocoa has a positive effect on these cells, which explains why regular consumption might prevent you from getting sick. 

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4. PossibleCancer Prevention

There are pieces of research that support the fact that dark chocolate can fight cancer. Unknown to many, dark chocolate is potent cancer-fighting food. Moreover, flavonoids and other antioxidants present in dark chocolate can fight colon cancer. For instance, in a study using animals, it was discovered that dark chocolate could reduce the growth and propagation of colon cancers in mice. 

Also, dark chocolate’s ability to reduce oxidative stress can significantly help prevent and protect the body against colorectal cancer. Its ability to reduce inflammation can also block the growth of various cancer cells.

5. Dark chocolate can Reduce Inflammation.

One of the natural ways to bring down the body’s inflammation levels is via dark chocolate consumption. Again, this is linked to the presence of the antioxidants – polyphenols and flavonoids. As a result, one can avoid inflammation and other health issues from this condition like heart disease, chronic disease, and type 2 diabetes. With reduced inflammation levels in the body, you can protect the essential body organs like the liver, brain, heart, and lungs. 

6. Dark chocolate may help in pregnancy.

There are many issues associated with pregnancy, like preeclampsia. This happens when there is a reduced or no blood supply to the fetus. Such a situation is natural in many pregnancies and occurs when the blood pressure gets excessively high. According to a study, optimum consumption of dark chocolate can significantly reduce preeclampsia risk during pregnancy by lowering blood pressure.

Science has not explicitly pointed out which component in chocolate is responsible for the effect on blood pressure. According to the study, two groups consumed dark: one group high flavonol and the other low flavonol. There was an impressive increase in blood supply to the fetus, revealing that dark chocolate’s benefit goes beyond the flavonoid content. 

7. Dark chocolate can Boost brain Power.

Preparing for an exam, a presentation, or meeting a client, dark chocolate might be the extra boost you need. Consuming some dark chocolate bars can provide you with a short-term boost, which increases focus and alertness, which can last for at most three hours, according to a research study from the University of Nottingham.

This can be traced to the dilating action of flavanols on the blood vessel. With this, the blood vessel opens up, ensuring that essential areas of the brain get an ample supply of oxygen and blood. This will not only boost focus but also fight fatigue. 

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Conclusion

On top of the series of health benefits, dark chocolate makes people happy. It can result in a series of health benefits that will improve your overall quality of life and help you have a balanced life.