subject: Dark Chocolate Potential Health Benefits [print this page] Although it may sound untrue but yes its true that Chocolate can actually be good for our health. We have all heard that chocolate has lots of calories and increases weight. Well think again and go have some dark chocolates and you will see the difference. Its not only the special taste but infact there are numerous health benefits of dark chocolate when eaten in moderation. Its surprising but Dark chocolate helps in weight loss too.
Dark chocolate is made from cocoa beans which are rich in flavonoids. More the Cocoa content more is the quantity of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants found in plants that help fight ageing and health diseases. It is due to the presence of flavonoids there are multiple health benefits of dark chocolate.
Here are some of dark chocolate health benefits.
1. Control Blood Pressure: Dark chocolate helps in regulating the blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, having few pieces of dark chocolate can actually help regulate blood pressure.
2. Control Blood Sugar: Dark chocolate is known to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate help our body cells to function normally and regain the ability to utilize our bodys insulin efficiently. Due to low glycemic index dark chocolate does not cause huge rise in blood sugar levels.
3. Prevent Heart Diseases: Dark chocolate contain flavonoids which are natural antioxidants. Flavonoids in dark chocolate help lowering the blood pressure and also help boosting good cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
4. Good for Brain: Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins in brain that bring feeling of pleasure and happiness. It also increases the flow of blood to brain and heart. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin which makes it a good remedy for treating depression.
5. Control Weight: it has been proven by studies that dark chocolate helps in controlling weight. But that does not mean you can eat chocolate in any quantities. Excess of everything is bad. So, dark chocolate should also be eaten in moderation, not more than five portions a week.
6. Rich in Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals in body thereby reducing the risk of cancer and strokes.
7. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Dark chocolate is rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, copper and iron which help maintaining a healthy heart and body.
8. Lowering Cholesterol Levels: Dark Chocolate lowers LDL Cholesterol (bad Cholesterol) in the body and also promotes good cholesterol in the body thereby reducing the risk of strokes.
9. Prevent Alzheimers disease: Dark Chocolate also prevents the risk of developing Alzheimers disease.
10. Aphrodisiac: Dark Chocolate is a well known aphrodisiac.
11. Good for skin: The flavonoids present in dark chocolate absorb UV light, increase the flow of blood to skin and also improve skin texture and complexion. Dark chocolate facials really improve texture of skin and keep skin healthy.
12. Prevents Tooth decay: Dark chocolate contains theobromine which helps in hardening of tooth enamel. So it prevents the formation of cavities and tooth decay.
The above benefits of dark chocolate do not imply that you can consume chocolate in large quantities. Everything is good only when had in moderation. Also, dark chocolate must not be confused with milk chocolate or white chocolate. As the latter do not have health benefits like dark chocolate and they add calories and increase weight. Go for dark chocolate which has more than 70% of cocoa content. Also, limit intake to not more than 5 portions a week and have it in place of something rather than adding it to your diet.
