The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
As we all know, dark chocolate is refined and is famous for its classy, complex and splendid taste which unarguably can be attributed to more than just being a luxury of the mouth. This sweet treat is indeed a treat with nutrients and compounds that can provide any of the following health benefits. Over the past few years scientific researches showed more and more that dark chocolate has a positive impact on different spheres of health and can safely be consumed as a healthy addition to our diet.
Nutritional Composition
Dark chocolate is produced from cocoa beans, which are associates with high amounts of phytonutrients. While milk chocolate has more sugar and milk solids than dark chocolate it has a higher proportion of cocoa solids which are loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients. Chocolate ingredients include flavonoids, of which flavanols are strong antioxidants; cocoa butter is also part of the dark chocolate. They should be lauded for the major contribution for these effects correlated with dark chocolate.
Cardiovascular Health
According to research, dark chocolate contain numerous nutritional value and among the one that has been proven is the improvement of the heart health. Dark chocolate, being rich in flavanols, improves blood flow, decreases blood pressure and up grades endothelial function which is very vital for the vessels well being. Based on a meta-analysis of published works, it has been established that a moderate intake of dark chocolate can cause a notable decrease in blood pressure and therefore a reduced chances of heart disease.
Furthermore, there exists the ability to affect the cholesterol quality as indicated by the dark chocolates. Studies have also suggested that it can raise the concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or the good cholesterol and lower the density lipoprotein (LDL) or the bad cholesterol. This effect helps in the reduction or prevention of formation of arteries thus reducing the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.
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Cognitive Function
To nonexistent proof, one could utilize dark chocolate to rectify defects in cognitive functioning. In more detail, dark chocolate contains flavanols that have been suggested to boost the brain plasticity needed for learning as well as memory. Scientific research have shown that, one is able to get a boosted brain power and good moods after taking dark chocolate regularly. The flavonoids present in the dark chocolate aids in the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain leading to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Furthermore, it should be noted that , dark chocolate activates the release of endorphin and serotonin – the ‘happiness’ hormones. This effect may also have correlation to better cognitive function and relief for diagnosed cases of anxiety and depression.
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Raised Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance
In this regard, it is imperative to note that chocolate has long been viewed as worsening blood glucose levels; however, the specific consumption of dark chocolate has been proven to improve glucose metabolism. Several compounds in chocolate enhance blood glucose control; flavanols found in dark chocolate enhance Insulin sensitivity and control type 2 diabetes conditions. Dark chocolate can be taken in moderate quantities and some recommendations to show that it offers some health benefits such as; controlling of glycemia and lowering the tendency towards the insulin resistance.
Skin Health
Dark chocolate may also help in improving the condition of the skin. Flavanols are the antioxidants that are contained in dark chocolate, then the dark chocolate can shield the skin from dangerous ultra violet rays, increase blood flow to the skin and improve the skin’s moisture. The former effects can easily contribute to skin health and fighting facial aging signs, while the latter negatives may harm the skin and result in early aging. Despite the fact, that eating dark chocolates should not be a substitute to applying sun screen, the consumption of chocolate can be a supplementary strategy for keeping the skin healthy.
Digestive Health
Digestive health may also be improved by the element found in dark chocolate. The soluble fiber that is present in dark chocolate is known as prebiotic, it helps in enhancing the function of good bacteria present in the gut hence increasing digestion. Probiotic balance in the gut biome is extremely essential in digestion, immune response, and overall health bypassing gastrointestinal diseases.
Moderation is Key
It has been ascertained that dark chocolates are beneficial in boosting the levels of health, yet, it is advisable to have them in moderate proportions. However, while it has these health promoting compounds, dark chocolate remains a calorie loaded food that can also contain reasonable amounts of fat and sugar. The adverse risks include the following; Over-consumption results in weight gain which in turn cancels the nice effects. Ideally, an individual should consume moderate dark chocolate that will be in the range of 1 to 2 ounces for an individual in a day.
Conclusion
That rich, chocolatey delight is not only yummy but contains loads of antioxidants and nutrients that could provide you the health boost that you need. Therefore, it can be concluded that dark chocolate belongs to the functional foods that are beneficial for the cardiovascular and brain health, skin health, and blood glucose levels regulation. Like any food that is considered unhealthy, dependence on this food must be coupled with discipline to get the best out of it and at the same time avoid all these. People should include a limited quantity of dark chocolate in their daily meals so that they can benefit from chocolate in many ways but not harm their health.
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