There is no question that chocolate is a pleasure, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a guilty pleasure. There is mounting evidence that consuming moderate amounts of cocoa products can offer health advantages. Chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which is what chocolate is made from, so chocolate is now being lauded for its tremendous potential. The higher the cocoa content, the more health benefits there are, and the less sugar content, which is better for overall health.
These five facts about chocolate will have you reaching out for that goodness today:
Nutrition
Quality dark chocolate that has a high cocoa content is actually quite nutritious. Dark chocolate contains soluble fibre, and is loaded with minerals like Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, and more. It also contains small amounts of stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, but is unlikely to keep you awake at night.
Stress reliever
Studies have shown that chocolate consumption might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as ‘bad fats’. Keeping cholesterol levels down helps improve blood pressure. You may remember reaching for or craving chocolate in times of stress. This is actually good, because, by reducing stress, chocolate significantly reduces the metabolic effects of stress.
Heart health
Over the years, many studies have corroborated that chocolate is good for the heart. The credit goes to the flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that increase the flexibility of veins and arteries. Consuming a moderate amount of chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third, according to a European Society of Cardiology Congress report.
Sun protection
The bioactive compounds and flavanols in chocolate can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration. Research proves that high levels of flavanols are ideal sun-protectors, which is why chocolate should be an important element in the Middle Eastern diet.
Food for the brain
Chocolate is truly the complete package, caring for both your heart and your mind. Cocoa has shown to significantly improve cognitive function, and memory in elderly people. Cocoa also contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason cocoa can improve brain function in the short term. Chocolate improves blood flow to the brain, when it needs more energy to complete its tasks.
In spite of all the evidence that indicates how beneficial chocolate can be, you still need to exercise caution when it comes to portions. A square or two of quality chocolate should be fine, if you want to enjoy the benefits without piling on the pounds.
