Who doesn’t love a chunk of rich, velvety chocolate? To most of us, chocolate is not only great in taste but some sort of extreme bliss. But what if I said, dark chocolate is more than the problem it will create with your diet? Actually, dark chocolate in moderation can be good for you here’s why. Allow me to enumerate for you, in this article, seven scientifically-proven health benefits of snacking on dark chocolate so that you may feel a little better.

First and foremost,Dark Chocolate let me tell a really quick story.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. For anyone who had ever been diagnosed with hypertension, no one was prepared for an absolute halt in snacking-most especially chocolates. I had always heard that dark chocolate was “healthier” than other forms, but for some reason, that seemed illogical to me.

It was this research, along with a nutritionist, that really aided me in finding not only could dark chocolate stay in my life but it actually could be helpful for better health. Today it is my go-to treat, and I’m happy to say my blood pressure is under control-thanks in part to dark chocolate! Now, let’s take a look at some of the positive impacts this bitter candy can make in your life.

1. Antioxidants Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains an enormous amount of possible antioxidants, mainly compounds that neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules causing oxidative stress because they destroy cells and thus contribute to aging and many other diseases.

Of the more available, easy-to-find varieties of antioxidants in dark chocolate, the subclass of flavonoids includes flavonols. These help your cells in their fight against oxidative damage and bring down inflammation, hence bringing down the chances of chronic disease contraction. In one study, it was found that antioxidants in dark chocolate were just as efficient as those in fruits like blueberries and acai berries.

Personal Note:

I always thought fruits were the only source of anti-oxidants, but when told that dark chocolate has a very high value as this food component, I applied it in my healthy balanced diet and indeed it does feel great to know that your favorite snack is doing good things for your health.

2. Keeps Heart Healthy Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate keeps the heart healthy. It has been recorded that the habit of consuming dark chocolate reduces the rate of danger from heart-related diseases because it maintains cholesterol and blood pressure within normal range, hence allowing proper flow of blood.

Various studies have taken notice of the fact that flavonols in dark chocolate improve the functioning of endothelium-that is, the lining of cells in your blood vessels. Blood vessels, functioning rightly, lower the risk for atherosclerosis-a disorder wherein your arteries harden. The flavonols improve nitric oxide production-a chemical which will relax your blood vessels and hence improve blood flow, lowering the blood pressure.

In fact, one study even found that dark chocolate eaten regularly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Other studies continue to reveal that dark chocolate further reduces LDL, bad cholesterol, and increases HDL, good cholesterol, offering further protection to the heart.

Personal Note:

Soon after dark chocolate was added into my diet, there was a slight fall in blood pressure. Though I never believed this to be the fact, my doctor told me that the reason could be that antioxidants and flavonols contained in dark chocolate finally brought an improvement in my cardiovascular health.

3. Improvement in Brain Function of Dark Chocolate

Ever wondered why that piece of chocolate makes you sharper, quicker, and much more alert? Well, here it is-the fact that dark chocolate works to enhance brain function by developing blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolate flavonols improve blood flow while improved blood flow can enhance cognition, memory, and attention.

In fact, some even publish studies showing very great performances of those who consumed flavonoid-rich dark chocolate-especially older adults-during cognitive tests, as compared to others in memory and problemsolving-type tests. Actually, some of the studies have shown that regular intakes of dark chocolate may delay neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

It also contains a bit of caffeine and theobromine, two natural stimulating compounds that raise the brain activity for some time. These generate a feeling of energizing; hence, dark chocolate would be one of the best snacking options right before a huge meeting or an examination.

Personal Note:

Meaning that after working on some project in which the writing of something creative is required, as a reward for myself, I take one square of dark chocolate after taking a small break. It cheers me up, and then I am able to focus on my work.

4. Supports Skin Health

Believe it or not, but dark chocolate leads to healthier skin. Dark chocolate flavonols raise blood flow to the skin and protect it hence from the sun. It has been proved in research conducted with those consuming flavanol-rich dark chocolate; the results reduced the chance of sunburn following UV exposure. Greater blood flow keeps the skin nourished and hydrated.

Antioxidants in dark chocolate neutralize the free radicals responsible for early signs of aging through fine lines and wrinkles. Flavonoids reduce redness and irritations due to anti-inflammatory action; hence, they provide even tone to the skin while glowing with radiance.

Personal Note:

Since mine is ultra-sensitive skin, it was great to learn that dark chocolate acts somewhat as a shield for your skin against the attack of the sun. So, dark chocolate incorporating this into my routine meant being relieved to know that even if I was able to sit in the sun for hours together, I was nowhere near being inflated and not half as red.

5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels Dark Chocolate

Yet, it does lower the blood sugar level; for that reason, it can be enlisted in the list as an unexpected ally for carriers of genetic risks of developing type 2 diabetes. Dark chocolate flavonoids increase the sensitivity of insulin: what this means is that your organism may be able to use insulin more effectively in order to keep the level of sugar in your blood at a decent level.

Various studies have reported that dark chocolate, if taken habitually, has the tendency to lower insulin resistance-the probable cause of diabetes. As mentioned above, dark chocolate is a low GI food; hence, it does not shoot the blood sugar out of proportion. Thus, dark chocolate the consumption of dark chocolate can be recommended for people keeping a check on their blood glucose level.

Personal Note:

As it runs in the family, I have always been extra cautious with the consumption of sugar. Thus, it came as a relief to know that dark chocolate improves insulin sensitivity and has less sugar in its content compared to other average kinds of chocolate, hence could be indulged in safely.

6. Dark chocolate feel-good

Well, if you have ever reached for chocolate when feeling down, then know you’re not alone, and there’s real science behind that. Dark chocolate contains quite a few compounds responsible for good mood. Among them is serotonin-a neurotransmitter linked with a feeling of well-being and happiness.

It is also on record that those who consume dark chocolate on a routine basis are less stressed, in a better mood, and more relaxed. Other studies take it even further to the extent that dark chocolate is used to combat symptoms of depression, although much more studies would be needed before such an ambitious claim can be confirmed.

Personal Note:

I find that on any really bad day, a square or two of dark chocolate does much to lift my mood. Besides that the feel great, its soothing to oneself. Considering this for its properties as a mood elevator, I really do not feel guilty indulging in chocolates whenever I need such an emotional boost .

7. Helps in Weight Management Dark Chocolate

It almost goes against the grain, but dark chocolate actually keeps one’s weight down. How? Dark chocolate tastes very rich and satisfying; even a small piece suppresses one’s craving and manages to keep him fuller for a longer period of time. In the long run, owing to the high content of healthy fats and fibers, dark chocolate cuts down snacking on food that is calorie-laden and devoid of nutritional value.

Actually, the very studies drew a conclusion that chemicals in dark chocolate contribute to lower appetites and hence help to stay on a diet more easily. Furthermore, there is a confirmation that dark chocolate regulates metabolism and even has a positive effect on weight loss over some period of time.

Personal Note:

It wasn’t until a few years ago that someone had told me it was utter bunk-that dark chocolate has some sort of way of keeping the pounds off. I started having just a little square as part of my afternoons and seriously, it curbs so much of my desire to snack on things I shouldn’t eat. Satisfying without overdoing it.

Conclusion:

Dark Chocolate-A Guilty Pleasure with Benefits

Dark chocolate belongs to that category of treats that nobody can resist for the mouth but is also quite an active player when it comes to healthy nutrition. Actually, from regulating blood sugar to improving heart health and enhancing skin health, down to increasing brain functions, there is quite a good deal of benefits laid down. Let me remind you here, too: the point is in moderation-70% of cocoa content and without adding too much heavy sugar, no added fats.

Be it good cardiovascular health, a mood elevator, or an excuse for not-soguilty delights, dark chocolate opens quite a new horizon toward benefits. Next time you reach for one, you will get to relish it, knowing full well that it does something for your health other than soothing the sweet tooth.

Personal Note:

Dark chocolate went from being a treat to becoming part of my wellness journey. In fact, dark chocolate improved my heart health and even my mood in moderation, but most surprisingly, it improved my skin. Unbelievable how such a small indulgence can so effectively improve life on the whole. If you have not experienced any dark chocolate for the benefits, I would encourage you to give it a shot. It may just be that missing puzzle piece you need to help make your healthy lifestyle complete.