Do you like eating dark chocolates? That’s good because a bite of dark chocolates provides loads of benefits. Instead of feeling guilty, satisfy your cravings for these bitter-sweet snacks. You will not gain weight but rather gain health benefits from eating dark chocolates. If you are wondering why eating dark chocolates as snacks are recommended, check this list of health benefits that dark chocolates provide:
· Dark Chocolates Contain Antioxidants
Dark chocolates are known to contain antioxidants. This is because of the cacao, wherein the darker the cacao, the more antioxidants it provides. The Cacao plant contains Theobromine, which is loaded with antioxidants. In addition to that, it also has phytonutrients called flavonoids. However, it is still best to consider balance when eating to enjoy its benefits and avoid too much sugar. According to health experts, the most recommended chocolate is the one that contains 70% cacao or higher.
· Dark Chocolates Improve Heart Health
One of the reasons why dark chocolates make a healthy snack is because it helps improve heart health, thus reducing the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Studies prove that snacking on dark chocolates regularly in a minimal amount is good for the heart. These antioxidants do not only prevent inflammation but also protect the cells against free radicals. Dark chocolates have positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
· Dark Chocolates Improve Cholesterol Levels
Dark chocolates have been used to help improve cholesterol levels. A bite of it once a day raises HDL or high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol) and drops LDL or low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) in the body. In addition, because of the antioxidants that cocoa provides, dark chocolates help prevent oxidative damage and strengthen lipoproteins.
· Dark Chocolates Boost Brain Function
Dark chocolates contain a high amount of flavonoids which help improve blood flow, thus boost the function of the brain. Regular consumption of dark chocolates increases intelligence and creativity. According to researchers, the cocoa contents include caffeine and theobromine that stimulate the brain and affect mental ability, as well as verbal fluency. It includes improvement of memory, abstract reasoning, cognitive processing, scanning, visual-spatial awareness, and concentration, especially in elderly people.
· Dark Chocolates Protect the Skin from Sun’s UV Rays
Dark chocolates have been used to protect the skin against sunburn. Based on studies and researches, women who consume dark chocolates have double protection on the skin against UV light from the sun. The skin does not burn easily when exposed to the sun. In addition, due to the copper, iron, and magnesium in cocoa, the skin looks younger and healthier. Dark chocolates also contain calcium and manganese that help repair skin and rejuvenate it again and again.
· Dark Chocolates Help Prevent Cancer Development
Dark chocolates contain a large number of antioxidants, and because of this, the body cells are protected against free radicals and cancer cells. Regular consumption of dark chocolates lowers down the development of cancer cells in the body. It also prevents free radicals from attacking and damaging the cells. It is said that damaged body cells are the main reason why cancer cells develop. Hence, taking dark chocolates as snacks regularly keeps the body protected. However, consumption should be in moderation and in accordance with the recommended diet.
· Dark chocolate Help in Losing Weight
Dark chocolates help in weight loss. Although people believe that eating snacks that are too sweet doubles the weight of the body, it is not so in consuming dark chocolates regularly. In fact, it helps the body control the appetite, thus lead to losing weight. According to nutritionists, taking a bite of dark chocolate before and after a meal stimulates the nerves that send signals to the brain telling that the stomach is already full.
· Dark Chocolates Reduce Development of Diabetes and Improve Blood Sugar
Dark chocolates are rich in flavonoids which are said to effectively reduce oxidative stress, the primary cause of increased insulin resistance. As the body becomes more sensitive to insulin, insulin resistance is greatly reduced and the risk of diabetes is decreased. By eating dark chocolates regularly, the risk of developing diabetes and high blood glucose lowers down. Moreover, it is still advised to consume dark chocolates in a small amount only to enable the body to maximize its benefits.
· Dark chocolate Help in Healthy Pregnancy
Dark chocolates contain more cocoa, making them very nutritious for a snack. A typical 100-gram bar is packed with copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, fiber, zinc, selenium, and potassium. All these nutrients are essential to a healthy pregnancy. Dark chocolates help in pregnancy not only in preventing the risk of preeclampsia due to high blood pressure but also in improving fetal growth and development. Based on studies, regular consumption of dark chocolates regulates blood pressure, thus both the baby and mother are in the best health.
· Dark Chocolates Reduce Depression and Pain
Depression, stress, anxiety, and pain are among the reasons for inability, inefficiency, and low-productivity. By regularly eating dark chocolates in a recommended dose, these symptoms can be greatly reduced. Since dark chocolates contain more antioxidants, flavonoids, and nutrients, it works as pain relief that reduces pain and inflammation, and it lifts up the mood and promotes pleasing emotion.
Eating dark chocolates for snacks proves to be beneficial to the body and mind. If you strive to have a healthy lifestyle, these health benefits associated with consuming dark chocolates are reasons enough to include dark chocolates in your daily snack. However, it is best to keep it in moderation to keep the body in proper fit and health.
