Benefits of Dark Chocolate

14-12-2020

Dark chocolate can help to improve your well-being in many ways. Partaking this sweet delicacy regularly can play a significant role in keeping you fitter and healthier. Most people wonder whether chocolate is good for health. So, here are some of the health benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Enhances Heart Health
The cocoa flavonoids present in dark chocolate are good for the heart. It can boost heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease considerably. It can lower the levels of �bad� cholesterol or oxidised LDL which builds plaque deposits in the arteries. It can also assist in maintaining the HDL (good) cholesterol levels thus protecting against heart issues.

2. Protects Against Cancer
The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate can potentially extend cancer protection by diminishing damage to cells. It can neutralise cancer cell production and the associated inflammation. Regular consumption of dark chocolate can particularly prove beneficial in defending against colon cancer.

3. Treats Diabetes
Dark chocolate for diabetes can be helpful. The flavonoids in dark chocolate support insulin sensitivity, improve glucose balance and inflammation markers, the factors which mainly contribute to the incidence of diabetes. People who take dark chocolate pieces can lower their chances of developing diabetes in comparison with people who don�t eat them.

4. Advances Brain Function
The potential merits of dark chocolate for the brain can be numerous because of its flavanol content. Eating dark chocolate can intensify blood flow to a few important brain areas, which in turn leads to general alertness and enhanced performance in tasks. It can also help to sharpen the memory, augment focus and shield the brain from ageing fast.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure
Dark chocolate contains magnesium which can support the lowering of blood pressure. Taking dark chocolate can also lift nitric oxide levels in the body thereby reducing overall blood pressure.

6. Contributes to Weight Loss
Consuming dark chocolate can curb cravings because its high satiety value can help you feel fuller for a longer time. Thus, you may be less tempted to gorge on snacks which can become a factor for weight loss. Also, they are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) which stimulate metabolism to burn fat.

7. Relieves Cough
Dark chocolate is an effective cough suppressant because it is full of antioxidants like catechins, polyphenols, flavonols, theobromine. Some scientists believe it can be more effectual than common cold medicines.

8. Lowers Cholesterol
Dark chocolate has cholesterol-lowering advantages as well. It can improve lipid profile along with limiting platelet reactivity.

9. Safeguards Against Neurological Diseases
Dark chocolate can increase cerebral blood flow due to its substantial flavanol content which may help thwart age-related memory weakening. It also extends extensive protection to neurons in the nervous system and brain thereby preventing Alzheimer�s and Parkinson�s disease.

10. Strengthens Vision
The cocoa flavanols in dark chocolate can heighten oxygen availability and nutrient supply to the blood vessels present in the eyes, thus fortifying vision health. Studies show that dark chocolate displayed a better capability to enhance visual acuteness than white chocolate.

11. Improves Mood
Dark chocolate can be a feel-good indulgence. It is the existence of fatty acids that does the trick. Stearic and palmitic acids along with health-enriching flavonoids in dark chocolate have the potential to increase neural activity in parts of the brain linked to pleasure thus making one better happier and better.

12. Decreases the Risk of Stroke
Eating flavonoid-rich dark chocolate can lower the probability of a stroke. More research is needed to ascertain the precise quantity and type of chocolates which would most help reduce stroke risk. But it can be said that dark chocolate in moderate amounts decreases the risk of a stroke and helps us live longer.

Dark Chocolate Benefits for Skin
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Some of the dark chocolate benefits for skin may include the following:

1. Protects Against UV Damage
The flavonoids and polyphenols in dark chocolate can protect the skin from the destructive UV rays of the sun thereby preventing sun spots and other related skin damage.

2. Fights Ageing
Dark chocolate�s incredible antioxidant qualities can aid in combating DNA mutilation which results in ageing symptoms like greying hair, wrinkles, and other diseases.

3. Hydrates the Skin
Flavanols in dark chocolate can support your skin in looking its best. You can achieve smoother skin by taking chocolate daily in moderate quantities. They fight free radicals and reinforce blood flow thus elevating skin hydration and providing skin with a glow.

4. Makes You Look Younger
Cocoa in chocolate can raise blood flow to the top-most skin layer thus making it appear young.

5. Prevents Collagen Breakdown
Dark chocolate can successfully battle stress hormones which cause collagen breakdown. Fewer collagen breakdown means fewer wrinkles and healthier skin.

Benefits of Dark Chocolates for Hair
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Some benefits of dark chocolates for hair are:

1. Improves Blood Circulation to the Scalp
Dark chocolate can encourage blood circulation to the scalp thus allowing you to have thick and nourished hair.

2. Protects Against Dandruff
The anti-inflammatory abilities of dark chocolate can help the scalp be free from any infections. It can also stop the build-up and spread of dandruff by adequately supplementing the scalp.

3. Makes Hair Lustrous
Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients which can help prevent hair loss and promote thick, shiny hair.