11 Health benefits of dark chocolate

Is dark chocolate good for you? Chocolate is known to be a mood enhancer, brain booster, cancer crusher and stroke stopper. This wonderful dessert, unlike many other sweets, is not only very delicious, but is also extremely beneficial for your health and wellbeing. Let’s look at some of the top benefits of dark chocolate:

1) Brain booster

Researches show that people who eat dark chocolate regularly have enchanted reaction and memory performance, as well as better problem solving skills.

2) Mood enhancer

This is one of the most well known health benefits of dark chocolate. Chocolate stimulates endorphin production in the body, which helps stimulate the feeling of pleasure and happiness. Chocolate also contains natural antidepressant – serotonin. This is probably why many people reach for chocolate when they are feeling down.

3) Better vision

Certain researches have shown that people who eat dark chocolate on a regular basis (of course in moderation) have better visual performance, than those who avoid eating dark chocolate.

4) Pure pleasure

Another type of study have shown that when you leave dark chocolate melt in your mouth, your brain and your heart have similar rate activity to the one that is produced while passionately kissing. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, it’s the same chemical that your brain produces when you fall in love. This chemical makes your brain release endorphins – hormones of happiness. So, should we stop kissing and just eat chocolate instead? 🙂

5) Better blood

Another one of wonderful health benefits of dark chocolate is that the chocolate helps to keep your blood vessels healthy and supple; it also helps normalize blood pressure in the body, as well as reduce bad cholesterol.

6) Better muscles

One of great health benefits of dark chocolate is that eating it regularly can enhance sports endurance, as well as reduce fatigue – perfect for those who love spending hours in a gym.

7) Better teeth

This statement might sound contradictory, but health benefits of dark chocolate also include better teeth. Dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, contains theobromine, that have been shown to prevent tooth decay by eliminating bacteria. (Of course, in order to have beautiful white teeth you also need to practice proper dental hygiene.)

8) The fountain of youth

Longer youth is another one of great health benefits of dark chocolate. Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate can help fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage to skin cells. Free radicals also may cause cancer, therefore, eating dark chocolate can help protect your body from various types of cancer, as well as slow down aging process.

9) Rich in vitamins and minerals

Dark chocolate contains various substances that can efficiently support healthy functioning of the body, to name a few: magnesium, copper, potassium, iron. Magnesium, for example, helps prevent high blood pressure and heart decease, while iron protects against anemia. Potassium and copper, on the other hand, help prevent cardiovascular complications.

10) Healthy heart

Studies have shown that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or tree times a week can improve blood flow, preventing the formation of blood clots, cell damage and inflammation.

11) Softer skin

People who love drinking hot chocolate have moister and smoother looking skin, because cocoa is very rich in antioxidants, in fact, even richer than green tea and red wine.

Those are just few health benefits of dark chocolate.

Probably, after reading this article you might rush to the shop to stock up on dark chocolate, but remember, moderation is the key! You don’t need to eat the whole bar to get your healthy dose of antioxidants. Stick to one square of dark chocolate per day. Studies have shown that you need only a small amount of it per day to get all the benefits out of dark chocolate.

Best chocolate in the world is the dark one. When buying dark chocolate, keep in mind that it should be organic and, preferably, it should contain 70 percent cocoa. Avoid buying chocolate with fillings, such as peanut butter or caramel, which can be packed with sugar and hydrogenated oils.

If you know other benefits of dark chocolate, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Stay happy!