Dark chocolate is a food valued for its nutritional contribution. Thanks to this, it is believed that it could help prevent different diseases. Here we tell you everything you should know about it. Dark chocolate has become fashionable in recent years, not only because of its taste, but because it is said to help improve mood and increase energy levels.
For their part, there are those who believe that chocolate consumption is bad because it can promote obesity or increase cholesterol due to its fat and sugar content. However, as long as its consumption is moderate, dark chocolate has positive effects on health.
If you are one of those who do not resist a piece of good chocolate, here are 7 possible benefits that you could be enjoying without knowing it. Discover them!
Effects of dark chocolate on health
One of the benefits of chocolate, in general, is its ability to increase the energy level. Although it should be consumed in moderate portions so as not to exceed the recommended calories, a small portion is sufficient to obtain this effect.
Although there are several types of chocolate on the market, black is the most popular within the healthy food category. Here we explain why.
1. Contains antioxidants
Dark chocolate is a food that contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, among others. These are very important, as they help the body to inhibit free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells.
2. Contributes to heart health
As the previous study suggests, chocolate may help prevent certain cardiovascular problems. One third of the fat in cocoa butter, which chocolate is made of, contains stearic acid, which the liver converts to oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat.
3. It is good for the brain
The consumption of dark chocolate helps to stimulate blood flow to the brain and to the heart, which could help improve your cognitive functions.
This benefit is attributed to its content of theobromine, a natural stimulant, not as strong as caffeine, but with interesting therapeutic effects. Dark chocolate contains around 25–35 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine is another stimulant that, in moderate doses, could increase alertness and improve attention and psychomotor performance. Finally, it also contains phenylethylamine, responsible for releasing endorphins in the brain, which generates a feeling of well-being.
4. Helps skin health
Dark chocolate, being rich in antioxidants, can also help promote healthier, more hydrated skin. It even appears to have a beneficial effect in preventing the harmful effects of the sun.
For its part, cocoa promotes good blood circulation in the fine capillaries in the upper layer of the skin. These are responsible for oxygenating and delivering the essential nutrients that the skin needs to protect itself from dehydration and sunburn.
5. It is good for teeth
Unlike many other sweets, dark chocolate, accompanied by good daily hygiene and in moderate doses, could contribute to dental health. Indeed, it contains a substance called theobromine which is recommended for hardening tooth enamel.
6. Has essential nutrients
Dark chocolate contains essential minerals that help promote good health throughout the body. This type of chocolate is a food with an interesting nutritional composition that includes the following:
- Fat (30%).
- Proteins (6%).
- Carbohydrates (61%).
- Phosphorus, calcium and iron (3%).
- Vitamins A and B.
7. Help against fatigue
Chocolate could help combat symptoms of fatigue. Research indicates that its consumption helps to improve the action of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, in charge of regulating mood and sleep.
For this study, people with this condition consumed 1 and ½ ounces of dark chocolate with 85% of cocoa, every day, for 8 weeks. The result was a less tired feeling after consuming the chocolate.
Does eating dark chocolate improve health?
Some benefits are attributed to dark chocolate, but it is not a “super powerful” or similar food. Simply included as part of a healthy and varied diet can contribute to health.
In any case, its consumption must also be complemented with good habits such as exercise and healthy eating. Remember that in case of illness, it is important to go directly to the doctor. No food will be curative.
Finally, it is important to know how to choose a good chocolate. The options made up of more than 60% cocoa are the most recommended. As much as possible, avoid those that contain a lot of sugar. Keep that in mind!
