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| Dark Chocolate Health Benefits |
Yes, Dark chocolate has many health benefits and if you know at least a few of them you will start eating them regularly. Competition is getting increased day-by-day for the healthy dark chocolate and these chocolates may differ from place to place. In some places, you may find the dark chocolate a bit sweet but in some areas, you can get complete black chocolate which has almost no sugar.
What are Dark Chocolates?
Dark Chocolate is a plain chocolate which is made from cocoa butter instead of using milk-based butter and this chocolate contains cocoa in high percentage. As antioxidants are present in these dark chocolates, you can get protection from disease-causing free radicals.
How Much Sugar in Dark Chocolate?
Dark Chocolate bar of 162 g contains 78 g of sugar which is very less when compared to the milk chocolates we often take. The same quantity milk bar contains 86-87 g of sugar. A 100 gram of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains 11g of fiber, 67% of the RDA for Iron, 58% of the RDA for Magnesium, 89% of the RDA for Copper, 98% of the RDA for Manganese and a lot of potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and selenium. So if you have a habit of eating milk chocolates frequently, it is really a good idea to take dark chocolates from now.
Dark Chocolate Nutrition:
If you take 168g of dark chocolate, you will gain 1004.6 calories. The total fat of the chocolate is 71.6 g for percentage daily value and when we compare it to the milk chocolate, the fat levels are really less. In the same way, cholesterol found in dark chocolate is 5mg for a 2000 calories diet which is very low. Compare in any way, Dark chocolates have more nutritional values than the milk chocolate.
How Much Dark Chocolate in a Day?
How much dark chocolate can I take in a day? It is a common doubt to everyone and here is the answer. You can take 30g to 60g in a day that means 1 to 2 ounces and it is a healthy intake without any side effects.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate:
Dark Chocolate is good for your health and I know you heard it many times. But do you know why? Dark Chocolates are high in flavonoids which have many health benefits and here are more reasons. Check amazing health benefits of dark chocolate which make you feel surprised.
Dark Chocolate is Mood Changer:
We all love chocolates and do you know how much? If you take a bite of dark chocolate, it can improve your mood in a fraction of seconds. Generally, while you are in a bad mood or depression, your favorite food will make you relax and this dark chocolate does the same. Also, it is proved by scientists that dark chocolate contains a compound called Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is a chemical that releases from your brain during emotional euphoria. Also, dark chocolate contains THC and Anandamide which makes you feel pleasant and relaxed.
Dark Chocolate Helps Weight Loss:
Eat dark chocolate frequently and reduce your weight! Intake of dark chocolates everyday in limits will lower your Body Mass Index (BMI). In a study which is conducted recently, it is proved that dark chocolate consumption helps in weight loss even after adjusting total calorie intake, exercise, and saturated fat intake. But you should consume the dark chocolate in moderate levels and excess intake can increase the risk of weight gain.
Dark Chocolate is Antioxidant:
Dark Chocolate is rich in antioxidants that include polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, and others which are biologically active. Dark Chocolate has a high score for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) which is a measure of antioxidant activity of food. However, raw and unprocessed cocoa beans have even more high score which overcomes the benefits of blueberries and other fruits.
Dark Chocolate Improves Brain Functioning:
Hear this! this is one of the best health benefits of Dark Chocolate. Consuming dark chocolate may increase your brain functioning. As per the experiment conducted before 6 years, it is proved that intake of high-flavanol cocoa improved blood flow to your brain. Also, cocoa improves mental illness in elder people and many other risks of diseases.
Dark Chocolate Lowers Heart Diseases:
Heart diseases became common these days and we can take simple measures to avoid them. Dark Chocolate consumption is very effective on cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help protecting the lines of arteries and also prevent the clumping of blood platelets which causes blood clots. Though saturated fats are present in dark chocolate, it doesn’t increase cholesterol levels and dark chocolate consumption reduces the risk of heart diseases by 40 percent and surprisingly, this chocolate also has the ability to reduce the risk of heart stroke.
Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure:
Dark chocolate also helps in lowering blood pressure as this chocolate can stimulate endothelium to produce Nitric Oxide gas and it relaxes the arteries which in turn lower the blood pressure. The bioactive compounds in cocoa improve blood flow in arteries which lowers blood pressure.
Dark Chocolate for Skin:
Dark chocolate has many benefits for your skin health too. This chocolate not only works on women skin but also helps men to protect their skin. The flavonols in the dark chocolate can protect your skin from sun heat by improving blood flow to the skin. The MED (Minimal Erythemal Dose) of UVB rays causes redness of the skin and it will be reduced if you consume dark chocolate and you may even prevent the rashes if you take this chocolate every day.
Dark Chocolate Prevents Cancer:
Of course, it is hard to believe if I say dark chocolate prevents cancer but it is true and is proved by American Cancer Institute. The evidence is limited but dark chocolate is suggested, said the researchers. As dark chocolate provides strong antioxidants, there are more chances to reduce the risk of cancer. Isn’t it good to know our favorite black chocolate also prevents cancer?
Dark Chocolate Promotes Hair Growth:
We all love long hair right! But due to pollution, deficiency in nutrient food and for other different reasons, it became hard to grow the hair. Already it is said that dark chocolate promotes blood circulation and that includes circulation in scalp too. Increased circulation in scalp reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth gradually.
Dark Chocolate Solves Acne Problems:
Acne is a very common problem, especially women, are facing this often. A bite of dark chocolate a day can reduce the acne. Due to the presence of mineral zinc in the dark chocolate, the production of oil in your skin will be reduced which helps in reducing acne by controlling stress hormones.
Dark Chocolate Strengthens Teeth:
You may hear that chocolate is very bad for your teeth just like me many times. I am hearing it from childhood! But survey says that Dark Chocolate helps harden your tooth enamel and make them strong. Also, this chocolate reduces the risk of cavities and all this happens due to the compound Theobromine. So, don’t stop your children or yourself enjoying a bite (only dark chocolate).
Dark Chocolate Treats Diabetes:
You will start consuming dark chocolate after reading this. As the sugar levels in the dark chocolate are very less, it treats diabetes. Dark chocolate boosts endothelial function which is essential in maintaining arterial health. This chocolate also boosts insulin resistance which reduces diabetes. Though you have no diabetes right now, you can eat dark chocolate to prevent it.
Dark Chocolate Controls Cough:
Dark Chocolate also helps reducing cough. The presence of Theobromine in the chocolate stops the vague nerve activity which is the reason for a cough. Instead of using cough medicine, you can take an ounce of dark chocolate to reduce a cough and it is proved that dark chocolate is more effective than any other cough medicine. Also, doctors are trying to create a medicine using Theobromine which is present in dark chocolate.
Though it is hard to believe that dark chocolate works better than the medicine, the experiments conducted on a group of people already proved it. A group of people who are suffering from cold was given codeine which is a common cold medicine and the other group was given the dark chocolates. Surprisingly, both showed the same result but we all know using dark chocolate is much better than taking a tasteless and risky medicine when we have equal benefits.
There is evidence that dark chocolate has many health benefits but it doesn’t mean you can eat tons of chocolate every day. If you consume more than 60g in a day, there is a risk of obesity which in turn causes other serious health problems. You can take a piece after your breakfast or dinner to utilize the benefits of dark chocolate. The most important thing you have to remember always is here. Today’s market has a lot of crap which is not organic. So, while buying the dark chocolate, be sure there is more than 70% of the cocoa content. So guys, why late? Just grab some dark chocolates for this month.
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