Ever since the discovery of cocoa, and its creation, chocolate has been the premium delicacy for any serious food lover, but also for anyone with a sweet-tooth. However, today’s chocolate has been adapted, with the addition of milk, butter, flavors, and other additives, and for serious chocolate lovers it has reduced the flavor. When it comes to scientists, they are adamant when it comes to chocolate, that the only one to be consumed should be dark. Not only because of the taste, but because of the proven health benefits of good quality chocolate.
1. Chocolate Improves the Cardiovascular Elasticity
Because of its high flavanol levels dark chocolate benefits the cardiovascular system. By improving the elasticity of arteries it prevents blood cells from clogging and fixing themselves on the walls of blood vessels. In turn, this creates a steady blood flow, maintaining normal blood pressure throughout the entire body. Moreover, the heart retains its ability to pump in regular beats, which minimizes the risk of heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
2. Chocolate Reduces the Chance of Strokes
Another deadly illness, not uncommon in contemporary society, are strokes. Luckily, consumption of dark chocolate provides almost 70 per cent of the recommended dietary allowance of iron. Combined with its ability to regulate blood flow, and the risk of stroke is lowered to a jaw-dropping 17 per cent on average.
3. Chocolate Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Another cardiovascular issue resolved by chocolate is the reduction of cholesterol levels. Ever since its discovery, cocoa has helped to lower the so called “bad cholesterol” (LDL), as well as lipoproteins from blood vessels. This allows veins and arteries to work without any barriers, and the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Chocolate also increases “good cholesterol” (HDL), which reduces the risk of heart failure.
4. Chocolate Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Dark chocolate, as opposed to its regular counterpart, reduces blood sugar levels. Cocoa beans have been proven to contain properties that regulate, and even improve insulin sensitivity. What this means is, that eating dark chocolate (70 per cent and above cocoa content) can, in the long run, delay or prevent the beginning of diabetes – one of the most common diseases today.
5. Chocolate Benefits the Brain
The previously mentioned flavanol, found in high quantities in chocolate and cocoa beans, has been found to be beneficial to the brain. By stimulating neurotransmitters and synaptic connections, the consumption of dark chocolate has been proven to help in treating brain injuries. Also, its anti-inflammatory features lower memory loss among the elderly, and can even slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Chocolate Improves Metabolism
Eating dark chocolate has also the benefit of regulating and improving metabolism. Consulting a nutritionist, and even boosting the positive effects through a personalised chocolate like the one Chocolab makes with high cocoa percentage, stimulates the conversion of food into energy. In turn, this makes you feel more vigorous, without the addition of unnecessary carbo-hydrates to your body. Moreover, it stimulates the production of enzyme-catalysts that allows the cells in your body gain the maximum amount of energy required for cell growth, and cell reproduction.
7. Chocolate Can Help in Weight Loss
Apart from the positive effect it has on metabolism (another benefit to weight loss), dark chocolate can also reduce body mass by targeting the brain and hormonal glands in your body. Eating a cocoa-rich chocolate bar in moderate quantities has been a weight losing trick proven by science. A cube of chocolate taken half an hour before a meal, or as an addition to a meal, relates a sense of fullness to the brain. Also, finishing a meal can reduce snacking between meals. The hormones that trigger this chemical reaction, ultimately trick your brain, and you, into eating less, and losing weight.
8. Chocolate Benefits the Skin
The high levels of flavanol found in cocoa-rich chocolate bars can also protect the skin. It improves the flexibility of skin cells, as well as having the ability to protect you from sun damage. Also, the invention of a chocolate rich butter as a tanning lotion has been used to stimulate melanin, giving you a great summer tan. Still, it is advised that people with lighter skin use it in a combination with a regular sun screen lotion.
9. Chocolate Releases You of Toxins
Chocolate is full of minerals that positively influences your body. Dark chocolate contains beneficial materials such as potassium, zinc, selenium, and iron, that all improve your metabolic, and overall bodily functions. Another great feature is chocolate’s ability to release you of toxins. The mentioned minerals stick to the toxic matter, and drive you to release it from your body. This, of course, has a positive influence on all your organs.
10. Chocolate Reduces Stress
Due to its influence on the brain, primarily it stimulates serotonin level production, which makes you happy and improves your overall mood. Any food has a positive effect on stressfulness, but chocolate maximizes on it, improving your mood by more than 80%. Once the chemical compounds reach your brain, you get a pleasurable sensation, and the stress just leaves your body.
With all of these positive features of chocolate, it’s hard to imagine a life without a regular consumption of chocolate. So, chocolate lovers grab a couple of bars and improve your health today!
