Do you eat chocolate every day?
You are not alone since Australians eat at least 72,000 metric tons of chocolate each year. Some people believe chocolate is detrimental to your health. However, the truth is dark chocolate can be a healthy diet food option.
In this guide, we will discuss various health benefits of chocolate. Use these the next time someone tells you to stop. Read on and learn more facts about chocolate today:
1. Nutritional Value
Various components of chocolate are nutritious. It has high cocoa content, soluble fiber, and other minerals. A single 100g chocolate with 70% to 85% cocoa content has the following:
- 11g Fiber
- 67% of Iron DV
- 58% of Magnesium DV
- 89% of Copper DV
- 98% of Manganese DV
Aside from these, chocolate has lots of zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. However, eating this amount of chocolate is not advisable. After all, it has about 600 calories and sugar.
2. Powerful Antioxidants
ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. It is the standard for measuring the antioxidant capabilities of various food items. One of the best dark chocolate health benefits is its high ORAC levels.
Dark chocolate has lots of organic compounds. These are biologically active and thus serve as antioxidants. Examples include catechins, polyphenols, and flavanols.
3. Enhance Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure
As said above, dark chocolate has flavanols. It stimulates the lining of arteries to make nitric oxide. This chemical compound makes your arteries relax.
It lowers your blood flow resistance, thus reducing blood pressure.
The drawback is the mild level of effects. This subject needs more research to ensure consistency. Regardless, a lot of experts believe dark chocolate has the potential.
4. Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Dark chocolate has protective compounds against LDL oxidation. As a result, less cholesterol stays in your arteries. It lowers your risk of heart disease in the long run.
Some studies revealed eating chocolate at least two times a week lowered calcified artery plaques. Eating less frequently will not confer this benefit.
These effects are observational. However, knowing the underlying biological processes means more plausibility. Consider contacting a chocolate factory to get wholesale supplies.
5. Improve Brain Functions
Aside from improving your cardiovascular health, dark chocolate also helps your brain function better. Eat high-flavanol cocoa for five days to experience enhanced blood flow to your brain.
Cocoa can also improve cognitive function in old adults. It is more potent for those with slight impairment. Some studies also show eating dark chocolate enhances your verbal fluency while preventing several brain disorders.
When you eat or drink cocoa, stimulants like caffeine and theobromine enter your system. It heightens your brain function for a short while.
Reap the Health Benefits of Chocolate Now
These are some health benefits of chocolate. However, eating a lot can result in various illnesses like diabetes. That is why moderation is necessary.
Learning about these advantages is only the beginning. Discover other healthy food items to add to your diet as well.
Are you looking for more helpful guides? If so, consider reading our other posts today.
