9 Benefits of Dark Chocolate for your Health
Chocolate is delicious, and everyone knows that, but it can also be beneficial for health, such as in oxidation processes, vascular functions, blood pressure regulation and lipid metabolism, among others. If you consume it with a high percentage of cocoa, greater than 70%, and a low percentage of sugar, we can improve our health, thanks to its flavonoid content.
Here we present 9 powerful benefits of dark chocolate, so you can include it in your diet.
1. Protects against oxidative damage
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help us reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer. Oxidation is a process that occurs normally in the body, all the time. That's where some antioxidant foods come in handy. A diet rich in antioxidants, like the ones in dark chocolate, help the body fight these daily processes, helping to prevent damage and disease.
2. Strengthens the heart
One of the best known benefits of dark chocolate is its ability to protect heart health. It is believed that chocolate would have anticoagulant properties and for this reason, it would prevent heart disease. Regular consumption of dark chocolate would help reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood (low-density lipoproteins) and increase HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) due to its high content of polyphenols.
The flavanols in dark chocolate have been shown to support the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, resulting in lower blood pressure.
3. Beneficial for the brain
The benefits of dark chocolate also extend to the brain. The flavonoids it contains are absorbed, penetrate and accumulate in the regions of the brain involved in learning and memory, especially in the hippocampus. Dark chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid necessary for the formation of serotonin that is involved in positive moods and feelings. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure, that's why chocolate makes you happy...
4. Helps you feel satisfied
Dark chocolate, in general, contains about 12 grams of fiber per 100 grams. It is believed that its fiber content could help generate a feeling of satiety, according to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In this way, the desire to consume other foods that could cause weight gain would be reduced.
5. Helps fight diabetes
Cocoa flavonoids have an antidiabetic effect as they can: improve insulin resistance, improve blood vessel tissue function, alter glucose metabolism and reduce oxidative stress.
6. Calms the cough
Among the components of chocolate is one called theobromine. It is an active ingredient that would act on the vagus nerve, the part of the brain that causes coughing fits.
7. Take care of the skin
Dark chocolate has properties that can protect your skin, thanks to its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This in turn helps the skin to improve hydration, protects from sun damage, prevents collagen deterioration. Flavonoids contribute to endogenous photoprotection, a type of internal sun protection, improve blood circulation in the skin and smooth the skin surface, cosmetic hydration, increase skin elasticity. However, you should not stop using sunscreen, its use is essential.
8. Improve Vision
Due to the properties that dark chocolate has to improve circulation, an article in Harvard Health Publishing points out that it could contribute to the blood flow that goes to the retina, thus improving vision.
9. Promotes gastrointestinal health
Millions of bacteria live in our intestines. Cocoa is considered prebiotics rich in polyphenols. (“Probiotics” refers to the bacteria that provide benefits to our gastrointestinal health, while “prebiotics” are the substances that “feed” these bacteria.) Cocoa has an effect on the gut bacteria ecosystem that mimics the effect of prebiotics and probiotics. It helps increase the growth of "good" bacteria and inhibits the growth of "bad" bacteria.
Definitely…
Dark chocolate is delicious and full of important antioxidants, which provide incredible health benefits. To obtain all these benefits it is necessary to resort to a high percentage of cocoa, over 70%. Many doctors maintain that moderate consumption of dark chocolate, within a balanced diet, could be of great contribution to health.
VALDIVIAN Chocolate has Single Region Dark Organic Chocolate Bars with percentages greater than 70%: Manabí Dark 72%, Los Ríos Dark 74%, Orellana Dark 76% and Esmeraldas Dark 78%.
Enjoy the exquisite VALDIVIAN Chocolate flavours and aromas and enjoy a good health too….