Health benefits of chocolate

During this year, many articles have been circulating about how chocolate literally helps in weight loss. Unfortunately, this was one big hoax that chocolate lovers would no doubt appreciate otherwise. Nevertheless, chocolate does have some health benefits.

We're talking about dark chocolate, of course.

Why is dark chocolate so special?

First, let's take a look at why dark chocolate has the potential to be a superfood.

IT OVERLOADS ANTIOXIDANTS

Cocoa is rich in antioxidants called flavanols, which include procyanides, epicatechins and catechins (you may remember catechins as one of the ingredients in green tea in a previous article). In research that looked at antioxidant content, cacao easily beat out foods like ginger, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and many others. This research has been questioned on the grounds that it was conducted in test tubes, and the effect in the human body thus went undetected. However, in many other studies, the benefits of chocolate in the human body have been proven.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Chocolate has anti-inflammatory effects due to its flavonoid content, which strengthens our immune system.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

100g dark chocolate with 70% - 85% cocoa contains:

• 11g of dietary fibre
• 8g protein
• 98% of the recommended daily intake of manganese
• 89% of the recommended daily intake of copper
• 67% of the recommended daily intake of iron
• 58% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium
• 31% of the recommended daily intake of phosphorus
• 22% of the recommended daily intake of zinc
• 21% of the recommended daily intake of potassium

That's impressive, considering we're talking about chocolate after all!
But of course chocolate also contains a lot of calories and saturated fat. That's why it can no longer be considered a weight loss aid.

INCREASES LIBIDO

Chocolate contains l-arginine, an amino acid that works as a natural sexual stimulant for both men and women. It increases blood circulation in the genitals, which increases sensation, satisfaction and desire.

However, it is not the only food that increases sex drive. Add a few figs and almonds to chocolate, and you've got a libido-boosting dessert.

PROTECTS THE HEART

A small amount of chocolate keeps the heart strong and healthy. It can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. But only in quantities of around one square of chocolate a day, according to German researchers!
A study conducted on 19,000 people over a period of at least ten years showed that those who ate the most chocolate (7.5 grams per day) had lower blood pressure and up to 39% less risk of stroke and heart attack, compared to people who ate the least amount of chocolate (1.7 grams per day)

According to another study, regular intake of cocoa was found to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 50% in older men.

HELPS KEEP BODY WEIGHT UNDER CONTROL

Don't. You won't lose weight by eating large amounts of chocolate. BUT, a study conducted with white and dark chocolate found that participants taking dark chocolate had lower blood sugar levels.
Scientists aren't entirely sure how this works, but it's hypothesized that the antioxidants in dark chocolate may help the body use insulin more efficiently and control blood sugar.

Some doctors say that learning how to stabilize blood sugar levels is the key to weight loss success.

POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE BLOOD

The flavanols in cocoa can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation to the heart and brain. They stimulate arteries to produce nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Of course, again, this is only true when a small amount of chocolate is consumed.

KEEPS CHOLESTEROL IN BALANCE

This is perhaps a little surprising, especially after we've been told that chocolate contains a lot of saturated fat.
However, the fat in chocolate comes from cocoa, which is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid.

Oleic acid is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.
Even though stearic acid is a saturated fat, it has been found to have no effect on the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol.
Palmitic acid also has no effect on cholesterol.

Cocoa powder, in turn, has been found to raise (good) HDL cholesterol and lower total (bad) LDL cholesterol in men with already high cholesterol.

IMPROVES MOOD

This is probably not surprising; many people improve their bad mood with sweets.

Unsweetened dark chocolate has been shown to be the most effective type of chocolate when it comes to stress and anxiety.

Phenylethylamine (the same substance that makes you feel loved) also encourages the brain to release endorphins, making you feel happier. Endorphins even have effects that help block pain.

The caffeine in chocolate is a mild stimulant that can further boost your mood, although it doesn't contain nearly the level of caffeine that coffee does.

PROTECTS THE SKIN

Dark chocolate protects against UV rays and improves skin hydration. Standard milk chocolate lacks this effect.
Beware, however, that in larger quantities chocolate can cause skin irritation.

PROTECTS THE MIND

It has been found that daily intake of chocolate in small amounts can act as a preventative against Alzheimer's disease.
The incredible power of antioxidants in dark chocolate protects the brain from oxidative stress and aging.
Caffeine may also be helpful for migraines and milder headaches.

CHOOSE THE TYPE OF CHOCOLATE WISELY

After reading all these benefits, you'll probably be tempted to run to the store and pile a few bars of chocolate into your cart. But not only do you have to be careful about the quantity, you also have to choose the type of chocolate carefully.

And that's because of the sugar content.

Most types of dark chocolate contain added sugar, but you don't want it to be the main ingredient.

Always choose chocolate with as much cocoa as possible - at least 70% - and as little added sugar as possible.

Think also that chocolate is not the only food containing antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables work in the same way and should be included in your diet rather than a bar of chocolate.

Source: http: //www.nutritionsecrets.com/health-benefits-dark-chocolate/