(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Chocolate can be good for you, as long as you get the right type. Here are five dark chocolate benefits that prove it is the best for you.
You may have heard that chocolate can be good in moderation. That’s certainly true, but you need to get the right type of chocolate. Make a switch to dark chocolate and you offer yourself a range of dark chocolate benefits that benefit your health. You only need a couple of squares a day to gain the benefits, which is just enough to curb those sweet cravings.
Here are five dark chocolate benefits that will make you want to start eating dark chocolate for your health right away.
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#1. It’s a good source of antioxidants
You’ve likely heard about antioxidants, but not really considered what they are and what they do. The body can succumb to oxidative stress, which can cause the cells to become damaged or abnormal. Antioxidants help to prevent that and prevent the development of free radicals in the body. So, you want to eat foods that are high in antioxidants to protect against aging, cancer, and other effects oxidative stress has on the body.
Dark chocolate is one of those foods. It’s packed with flavanols, polyphenols, catchins, and many other antioxidants to protect the body. You don’t need to consume a large amount of the chocolate either. Just a couple of squares will give you an excellent start.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
#2. Boost your brain power
You’ll know that fish is good for the brain. Well, so is dark chocolate. This is linked to the antioxidant flavanol, which is found in cocoa. The antioxidant helps to protect the brain cells from damage, helping to keep all the receptors working effectively and protect the cognitive functions.
It’s possible to protect your memory, concentration levels, verbal fluency, and much more. You can also reduce the risk of some diseases and disorders, especially dementia. Short-term memory levels are also improved through theobromine and caffeine found in cocoa.
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#3. Lower the blood pressure levels
There’s a chance that dark chocolate can reduce your blood pressure levels, by helping to improve the blood flow in your body. This is linked to the flavanols again, which help to stimulate the endothelium, which is the artery lining. By stimulating the endothelium, a more nitric oxide gas is produced and this helps the arteries relax.
The effects are only mild. However, they’re better than nothing!
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
#4. Reduce the risk of heart disease
Cholesterol levels can also be reduced through the use of dark chocolate. This is especially the case in men. The antioxidants help to get rid of the bad cholesterol levels that react with free radicals. This helps to prevent the destruction of tissue in the body, meaning your heart is protected.
Lowering the cholesterol levels will also help to protect the blood flow and arteries. This helps to reduce your blood pressure levels, linking back to the third benefit of dark chocolate.
#5. Reduces the sugar cravings
Let’s not forget the benefits when it comes to sugar cravings. If you’re on a diet or trying to reduce your sugar intake, you can think that all sweet things are banned. However, your body starts to go through a withdrawal of the sugar. There are naturally sweet items that aren’t bad for you when eaten in moderation and dark chocolate is one of them.
You want to get chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. The chocolate is a little more bitter, but it gets rid of the dairy used and the extra sugars added. You’ll curb the sweet cravings, so you enjoy your diet more.
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Two squares of dark chocolate is enough a day. You can eat it raw, get the dark chocolate cocoa powder, or even melt it down for desserts. Enjoy your chocolate and protect your health at the same time.
How do you eat your dark chocolate? Will you make a switch to dark to protect your health now? Share in the comments below.