Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Beyond Taste

Just thinking about dark chocolate brings out the feelings of joy and indulgence. Its bittersweet taste is more than a sensory delight, because dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, which boosts heart and brain health.

You can have dark chocolate as a hot drink or a savor as a scoop of ice-cream or just a classic bar.

Dark Chocolate Vs Other Chocolates

When compared with other kinds of chocolates, dark chocolate wins hands down.

Dark chocolate has lower added sugar and fat than milk chocolate or white chocolate, according to dietitian Devon Peart on clevelandclinic.org. While milk chocolate and dark chocolate have similar ingredients, including cocoa butter, sugar and cacao solids, they differ in their percentage of cacao solids.

Dark chocolate has between 50% and 90% cacao solids and milk chocolate has between 10% and 50%, according to Cleveland Clinic, says Peart.

Apart from cacao, dark chocolates also contain protein, carbohydrates, fat and fiber. It also contains minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus and magnesium.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

According to Deepsikha Jain, a nutritionist, says in her instagram post that dark chocolate is very good for health and one should have a piece of dark chocolate every day.

Jain says dark chocolate is super rich in magnesium, a crucial nutrient, that helps you sleep better. Dark chocolate also improves your gut because dark chocolate is a natural prebiotic is packed with cacao content that will increase good bacteria in your gut, she says.

Dark chocolate benefits your heart and brain health because it is rich in flvaonoids that will increase the blood flow to your brain and heart.

Heart and Brain Health

Dark chocolate contains two to three times more flavanol-rich cacao solids as compared to milk chocolate. Flavanols is a type of polyphenol, which is beneficial for your heart. Flavanols are linked to the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes your blood vessels and improves blood flow. This helps in lowering the blood pressure.

Research shows that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may help lower your LDL or bad cholesterol.

Dark chocolate enhances brain function by improving the blood flow. Dark chocolate contains natural compounds like tyramine, theobromine, phenylalanine, and caffeine, which boost brain function, sharpen cognitive function among other benefits.

Dark Chocolate is a Mood Lifter

You feel happy after having dark chocolate because the polyphenols in it lower the stress hormone, cortisol. Research shows that people who had dark chocolate having 80% cocoa on a daily basis had better moods than those eating lower-cocoa chocolate or none at all.

Dark Chocolate May protect your skin

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flavanols found in dark chocolate may also improve skin texture and protect it from sun damage.

Research found that eating dark chocolate may protect your skin from the effects ultraviolet rays.

A non-dairy option for Lactose Intolerance

If you are lactose-intolerant or a vegan, then dark chocolate is a good and healthy option.

Choosing the Right Dark Chocolate

You must opt for a dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher). Always read the label to ensure cocoa is the first ingredient. But to gain maximum health benefits from the dark chocolate remember to consume it in moderation.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.