Ten Proven Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Besides taste, dark chocolate offers loads of other benefits for our health. 

In this article, we will present the biggest health benefits of dark chocolate that prove that it is not as bad as some think. 

It is even safe to call dark chocolate a healthier choice compared to milk and white chocolate.

Below are the top ten benefits of adding a little dark chocolate to your diet.

 

1. Dark chocolate helps in weight loss

Some studies show that dark chocolate helps in losing weight.

Well, true indeed! When it comes to the benefits of dark chocolate for weight loss, there are two major reasons why it works. 

First, the healthy fat found in dark chocolate called cocoa butter helps us feel full for a longer period.

Second, it also causes changes in insulin levels that can help us lose weight.

 

2. Dark chocolate helps maintain healthy skin

Acne is the most common skin problem many experiences or has to deal with at least once or twice in their lifetime.

Dark chocolate has anti-inflammatory benefits due to its caffeine content.

It contains antioxidants and other properties that affect the activity of certain enzymes in the body which is good for our skin.

Eating dark chocolate can significantly protect the skin from UV light.

3. Dark chocolate benefits the heart

Dark chocolate has been found in studies to increase blood vessel flexibility. This is mostly due to cocoa butter's antioxidant properties.

This suggests that consuming dark chocolate reduces our chance of developing heart disease.

It should be emphasized, however, that to reap this advantage, dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa is essential.

Dark chocolate's high flavonoid content helps prevent blood clots and decreases high blood pressure by relaxing and increasing the flexibility of blood vessels.

It contains antioxidants that can lessen the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke.

 

4. Dark chocolate improves cholesterol levels

Lowering the bad cholesterol or LDL is a well-known benefit of dark chocolate because it contains flavonoids. 

However, it can also help with increasing good cholesterol levels as well.

This helps in improving overall health and well-being.

 

5. Dark chocolate helps improve the level of concentration

Some say that eating dark chocolate can help us concentrate better. Dark chocolate contains caffeine which is the basis for this claim. 

What’s more? The antioxidants in cocoa butter also help with concentration and cognition by improving blood circulation to our brains.

6. Dark chocolate prevents tooth decay

Even though dark chocolate is known to cause tooth decay, it reduces the risk of this health issue. 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa butter help prevent cavities by reducing plaque buildup on the teeth.

That’s why dark chocolate can be considered part of our dental hygiene routine.

7. Dark chocolate helps improve mood

Chocolate, according to scientists, stimulates the synthesis of the serotonin hormone, which is responsible for making us feel happy.

This can also benefit persons who are depressed. Dark chocolate is thought to be a drug-free treatment for depression.

8. Dark chocolate helps control blood sugar level

As previously stated, dark chocolate includes caffeine and antioxidants that act synergistically to reduce insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes symptoms.

Dark chocolate has also been shown in trials to lower blood sugar levels.

People with high blood sugar may benefit from eating a bar of dark chocolate every day.

9. Dark chocolate helps the brain to work better

Because dark chocolate includes caffeine, antioxidants, and serotonin, it can help us maintain our attention and sharpness while also keeping us in high moods.

Researchers believe that consuming dark chocolate daily may help postpone the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia by keeping the brain healthy.

Furthermore, due to its high antioxidant content, dark chocolate is thought to aid working memory.

 

10. Dark chocolate helps us rest better

Dark chocolate can aid those who have problems sleeping or staying asleep.

Because it includes caffeine and cocoa, which are moderate stimulants, researchers discovered that some forms of dark chocolate increase sleep quality and duration.

Apart from soothing muscles, cocoa also supplies magnesium to the body, which relaxes blood vessels and muscles.

However, this does not justify bingeing on it or mindlessly devouring slabs of dark chocolate.

Moderation is essential in everything, and this is also true when it comes to dark chocolate.