Dark Chocolate – Chockfull of Health Benefits

Most of us have heard that eating a couple squares of dark chocolate a day is actually good for you – but how so? Dark chocolate may have even more health benefits than originally thought. However, the type of chocolate matters. We’re not talking yummy, sugary milk chocolate – we are talking about at least 70% good quality dark chocolate without milk or much sugar added. If you chow down on the recommended 2-4 squares a day of this type of chocolate daily, you may begin to notice health benefits. Some benefits of dark chocolate include:

1. Dark Chocolate is a Nutrient Powerhouse

   Dark chocolate is jam-packed with healthful goodies such as fiber, iron, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, manganese and selenium (a compound with cancer-repelling properties). Cocoa also has one of the highest concentrations of anti-oxidants of any food source – even more than blueberries!

2. It May Provide PMS Relief 

   Dark chocolate can actually help ease menstruation related symptoms by triggering the release of mood-boosting, natural painkilling endorphins like anandamide. It also contains a great deal of magnesium which can help reduce cramping.

3. It May Help Lower Blood Pressure

   Research has indicated flavanols found in dark chocolate produce Nitric Oxide, by stimulating the walls of the arteries, signaling the arteries to expand. This expansion reduces the flow of blood through the arteries, thus potentially reducing blood pressure.

4. It May Provide Diarrhea Relief

   One particular study illustrated that plentiful flavonoids in cocoa help prevent fluid retention in the small intestine which contributes to diarrhea. Cocoa flavonoids can potentially help ease the symptoms of diarrhea when consumed in dark chocolate form (free of the sugar and additional ingredients of milk chocolate). Dark chocolate may provide an alternative to OTC medications which can have adverse side effects.

5. It Can Contribute To Skin health

   German studies show that dark chocolate may help protect the skin against the sun. The flavanols in dark chocolate can help reduce some signs of UV damage. The iron and vitamins may also help dry skin.

The Benefits Don’t Even End There!

The flavonoids and nutrients in dark chocolate have also shown promise in helping other health conditions including cardiovascular disease, balancing “good” HDL and “bad” LDL cholesterol and improving brain function. So grab a couple squares of dark chocolate a day for some potential health perks! Thanks for visiting DocChat, we hope you’ll stop by again soon!