Chocolate is not only it is delicious but it is filled with enormous health benefits. In this blogs, we are going to discuss some amazing health benefits of dark chocolate which will definably give you a reason to gift this health package to the one you love.
Do you know? Coca or cacao was consumed by humans for the first time in 460 AD.
Coca powder and chocolates are made from the extract of seed of a fruit called Theobroma cacao by fermenting it over time. Coca contains the highest amount of phenolic antioxidants than other food sources. A study was conducted in 2011 to test the antioxidant properties of chocolate and coca which revealed that it is enriched with antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins.
Antioxidants prevent cell damage and help to slow down the aging process, provide healthy and glowing skin, lustrous hairs, prevents cancer, and boost brain functions.
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2. Nutritional benefits of dark Chocolate
There are infinite benefits of dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is made by adding healthy fat and sugar to cocoa powder and hence contains no milk granules in it. If you want to take the maximum benefit of dark chocolate then choose with a high quantity of cocoa content of almost 70%.
Do you know? 100 gm of a dark chocolate bar is enriched with 60-68% iron, 55-58% magnesium, 88-90% Copper, 98-99% manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. However, it is also loaded with plenty of calories, it should be consumed in limited quantities.
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3. Benefits of dark chocolate for glowing skin
Dark chocolate is enriched with manganese which boosts the production of collagen helps the skin look younger and reduces fine lines. It was also evident that dark chocolate can protect the skin from harmful skin damaged by UV rays, hence preventing sun damage. But be mindful! eating a lot of dark chocolate more than recommended, can cause skin acne.
You can also try chocolate scrub and chocolate pack which can easily be prepared at home.
Chocolate Scrub: Mix 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 4 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of coffee grounds, 1 teaspoon of dark chocolate/ cocoa powder, and make a thick paste. Scrub it for 5 minutes on your skin and then rinse it off. This Chocolate scrub works amazingly for tan removal.
Chocolate Pack: Mix 1 teaspoon of unsweetened melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder with 2 teaspoons of rose water. Apply it on your face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse it off. That’s it! now enjoy the amazing glow.
You could use the above DIY on full-body as well.
4. Give your mood a boost with dark chocolate
A study conducted in 2019 revealed that people who consume dark chocolate have low clinical depressive symptoms. Dark chocolate boosts the process of endorphins release in the brain which lifts up the mood. It contains serotonin which can boost your mood and energy levels.
5. Enhances heart health
Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavonoids that are heart-healthy. Dark chocolate can boost heart health and reduce the likelihood of heart disease. “Bad” cholesterol, also referred to as oxidized LDL, can be lowered as well. Furthermore, it can help keep HDL (good) cholesterol levels high, thus protecting against heart disease.
6. Contribute to Weight Loss
Dark chocolate can help you curb cravings since it has a high satiety value. If you are less tempted to snack, you may lose weight more easily. Furthermore, they are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which stimulate the metabolism to burn fat.
7. Relieves Cough
Its antioxidants such as catechins, polyphenols, flavonols, and theobromine make dark chocolate an effective cough suppressant. Researchers believe dark chocolate is more effective than cold medicines in dealing with coughs.
8. Improves vision
Feel-good indulgences can be found in dark chocolate. This is due to the presence of fatty acids. Dark chocolate, with its stearic and palmitic acids and health-enhancing flavonoids, has the potential to increase neural activity in parts of the brain associated with pleasure, making one happier and more satisfied.
9. Benefits of Dark Chocolates for Hair
Dark chocolate can encourage blood circulation to the scalp thus allowing you to have thick and nourished hair. 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. Dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients which can help prevent hair loss and promote thick, shiny hair.
Also read – 5 Incredible Ways to use Guava leaves to stop hair loss you must know
What are the disadvantages of eating dark chocolate?
Excessive consumption of dark chocolate can cause certain side effects. Due to its caffeine content, too much dark chocolate can cause anxiety. As caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats, people with heart problems should limit their intake. Also, caffeine may negatively impact other medical conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
Can you eat dark chocolate every day?
Yes, it is okay to eat dark chocolate daily. But be sure to take it in moderation. To reap its optimal benefits, limit your intake to 3-4 cubes as it still has calories and fats.
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