Dark chocolate is no longer a guilty pleasure, but since it is a scientifically proven superfood, it has exceptional health benefits as long as taken in moderation. The long list of dark chocolate benefits include cardiovascular, brain, mood-enhancement, and even weight management, which is why it has come up as one of the rare treats that can help improve your wellness objectives. Knowing the extent of dark chocolate goodness may change your life with this yummy food, as you will be able to consume it without any ethical concerns when you will get the true therapeutic benefits of this good food. The most impressive thing about the dark chocolate benefits is that there is substantial scientific support on its application-there are hundred plus peer reviewed studies that have reported how the flavonoids, antioxidants and other beneficial properties in quality dark chocolate significantly affect virtually all the systems in your body.
The excellent dark chocolate benefits act mainly with cocoa flavanols especially epicatechin which improves blood flow, inflammation and prevents cell oxidative damage that enhances aging and diseases. By reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, to increasing cognitive function and maintaining a healthy weight loss, the multiple health care advantages of dark chocolate would focus on several health issues at once and please your taste-buds. You may want to save your heart, get more brain power, achieve your weight loss more effectively, or just have a taste that can make you healthier, and that scientifically-proven dark chocolate benefits will demonstrate why this ancient food has acquired such a reputation as nature-perfect indulgence.
10 Proven Dark Chocolate Benefits
It is always important to appreciate what makes quality dark chocolate to be different before delving deeper into the benefits. The health benefits of dark chocolate are mainly due to cocoa solids that are rich in flavonoids, minerals and antioxidants. The greater the percentage of cocoa, the more condensed these positive substances will be. To get the most out of the therapeutic health of dark chocolate, then you should select dark chocolate with a minimum content of cocoa of at least 70%.
Powerful Heart Health Protection
Cardiovascular wellness has been studied as the most beneficial health effects of dark chocolate. It has been demonstrated that a regular intake of dark chocolate can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 37%. The flavanols enhance the functioning of blood vessels, low blood pressure, and decreasing the hardening of the arteries.
Improved Blood Pressure
The clinically proven benefits of the dark chocolate include a great deal of blood pressure decrease. Even a 1-2 ounce/day dose of 70 percent or more cocoa chocolate will reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 2 or 3 points, as much as some pharmaceuticals.
Enhanced Brain Function
The dark chocolate advantages in thinking are amazing. Cocoa flavanols enhance blood circulation to the brain, which enhances memory, concentration, and speed of processing. The recurrent use of the same can even lower the chances of developing dementia in the elderly population.
Superior Antioxidant Content
The dark chocolate is one of the most highly rated foods based on antioxidant scales. Such health benefits of dark chocolates counter the activity of free radicals, which damage, inflame the cells, and accelerate aging.
Mood Enhancement
The psychological advantages of dark chocolate are to increase the level of serotonin and endorphin naturally. Dark chocolate has such compounds as phenylethylamine (PEA) that induce a feeling of happiness and lower the stress hormone, cortisol.
Improved Cholesterol Profile
Major dark chocolate effects are the increase of HDL (good) cholesterol and the possible decrease of LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation. The polyphenols block the oxidation and development of arterial plaques by cholesterol.
Better Blood Sugar Control
The health benefits of the metabolic dark chocolate go as far as insulin sensitivity. Flavanols enhance the response of the cells to insulin, which lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes when taken in a moderate amount.
Skin Protection
Other unknown dark chocolate benefits are photoprotection. The flavonoids improve the density, hydration and blood flow of the skin and prevent sun damage, although it is never a substitute of a sunscreen.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Most diseases are caused by chronic inflammation. The potent anti-inflammatory dark chocolate benefits assist in decreasing inflammatory indicators all over the body in favor of overall well-being.
Exercise Performance
Dark chocolate health benefits are improved endurance and use of less oxygen in the body during exercise. The epicatechin is an amplifier of nitric oxide and it improves the circulation of blood to muscles.
How Useful Is Dark Chocolate for Weight Loss
The benefits of dark chocolate for weight loss center revolve around a long feeling of fullness . The healthy fats and rich taste stimulate the satiety hormones, which curb cravings of sweet, salty, and fatty foods which otherwise are known to undermine weight loss. Various studies on weight loss with dark chocolate indicate that it can raise metabolism by a small percentage by means of thermogenesis. The weight loss benefit of dark chocolate is stress reducing, thus helps to avoid the accumulation of belly fat caused by stress. New data indicates that dark chocolate as a weight loss aid acts in part by modifying the gut microbiome. And its cocoa polyphenols nourish the healthy bacteria which affect metabolism and weight control.
How to Choose Best Dark Chocolate for Health
To choose the healthiest dark chocolate, one has to choose 70-85% cocoa content at least. A healthier version of dark chocolate only has cocoa beans, cocoa butter and little sugar- stay off of products with vegetable oils or artificial flavors. Organic alternatives limit the pesticide exposure. Dark chocolate can be the most healthful when it is minimally processed, consider such terms as raw or stone-ground that will preserve heat-sensitive flavonoids.
The best dark chocolate for weight loss is considered those which have 85 percent cocoa and less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. The dark chocolate that is the most weight loss friendly is in pre-sized squares to avoid overeating. Other products that are considered to be the best dark chocolate to lose weight have added ingredients such as almonds or sea salt that make them feel satisfied without having to consume many calories.
Conclusion
The scientifically-proven benefits of dark chocolate add to the delicious treat that makes the few indulgences that actually help to get healthier. Not only does it have extraordinary benefits to your heart and brain, but quality dark chocolate may be of great help in achieving weight loss objectives which makes the need to consume it mindfully a significant benefit as well. The most ideal dark chocolate is one that is healthy, which is those products that contain 70% and higher cocoa and have few ingredients. To have dark chocolate as a weight loss, the optimal dark chocolate as a weight loss food is very low sugar and 85%+ cocoa content.
The overall health benefits of dark chocolate are well-reported with hundreds of studies. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to consider the possible dark chocolate side effects, as they are moderate intake, paying attention to the caffeine level, and understanding the calorie level will allow you to get the most out of it and the least possible risks. Eat well, make a healthy choice and savor the fact that this time-honored food has secured a spot not only as a delicacy but also as a remedy to more healthy living.
