Chocolate is considered to be a forbidden product, and even the unfortunate 5 grams of dark chocolate are recorded by many as enemies. In fact, there are many benefits in chocolate, and if you like this dessert, feel free to include it in your meals. The main thing is the norm and quality, then any calories will be justified.
- A source of flavonoids
These plant substances are very important for the body, they are powerful antioxidants and have a general strengthening effect on the body. Cocoa, which is part of chocolate, contains a flavonoid that stimulates blood circulation in the brain.
- Fount of vitamins
50 grams of dark chocolate contains 6 grams of fiber, one-third of the daily value for iron, a quarter of the daily value for magnesium, and half for copper and manganese. On the other hand, there are 50 calories in 300 grams of chocolate, so get those vitamins from other foods as well.
- Reduces pressure
Those same flavonoids stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure naturally decreases. And it does not rise, as is commonly believed.
- Reduces cholesterol
In short, there is good and bad cholesterol. The bad one settles on the walls of the arteries and is the cause of the formation of plaques. Chocolate reduces the amount of such cholesterol and increases the level of good – high-density lipoprotein.
- Relieves stress
Frequent consumption of dark chocolate removes cortisol and catecholamines, which are stress hormones. So if you have a risky job, hard study or a black streak in life, dark chocolate should always be at hand.
- Reduces platelet accumulation
Platelets are blood cells responsible for clotting. Too active platelets can provoke coronary heart disease, and dark chocolate just prevents them from accumulating and objectively affecting your health.
- Gives energy
The caffeine in chocolate stimulates the nervous system and gives a certain boost of vivacity and energy. You can use chocolate as an alternative to coffee and to recharge on a particularly busy day.
- Improves the condition of teeth
The most common myth is that chocolate is bad for tooth enamel. Yes, if it’s milk sweet chocolate. And dark natural, on the contrary, acts on the oral cavity: it relieves inflammation of the gums and protects the enamel from caries.
- Controls blood sugar
Again, high blood sugar is associated with uncontrollable cravings for those types of chocolate that are high in sugar. On the other hand, dark chocolate can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes. At the same time, chocolate must contain at least 65 percent cocoa.
- Protects the skin
The flavonoids found in chocolate protect the skin from UV rays and block the formation of wrinkles. Flavonoids also improve the blood flow of the skin, which makes the skin toned and hydrated.