Why Is It Good to Eat Dark Chocolate?
There’s no doubt that enjoying delicious chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Up next, discover some factors that indicate why it’s good to eat dark chocolate so you can savor this treat without feeling guilty.
This delicious product of nature makes most people who consume it feel happy and content. That feeling has an explanation: its components stimulate the production of endorphins, which improves our mood.
Composition of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate comes from the selection of the best cocoa produced in the world, but without adding a large number of extra ingredients. To consider it high-quality dark chocolate, it has to contain at least 70% cocoa.
Cocoa concentrates at least two compounds that supply many calories: fats and sugar. It’s estimated that 20 grams of this product can provide up to 120 calories.
It’s also possible to find a high amount of flavonoid content in this delicious compound. Among them, we have epicatechin, which favors cardiovascular health.
It’s also an excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid that regulates neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
Additionally, it’s an excellent source of vitamins B and A, as well as minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, and more.
Reasons why it’s good to eat dark chocolate
It’s good to eat dark chocolate due to the nutritional composition that characterizes it, despite its caloric intake. The content of essential elements for our health that are present in cocoa makes it a superfood with multiple properties. These are its main benefits:
Prevents aging
It’s estimated that the antioxidant content in dark chocolate prevents premature aging. To enjoy this, it’s necessary to consume it in its purest form and avoid placing it in high temperatures.
These antioxidants delay the cellular damage that free radicals cause, this allows greater tissue regeneration.
It has a cardio-protective effect
Another reason why it’s good to eat dark chocolate is the protective effect it has on our cardiovascular health. This property is also attributed to antioxidants, which prevent the formation of fats in the arteries and reduces the density of bad cholesterol (LDL).
In addition, its consumption favors the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the arteries and reduces blood pressure. This reduction in cholesterol and blood pressure in the arteries increases blood flow and protects the heart.
Favors mental health
This benefit is basically due to an increase in blood flow, which is a result of the effects of antioxidants. Moreover, by containing a certain amount of theobromine and caffeine, certain parts of the brain that help memory and problem-solving are stimulated.
On the other hand, the tryptophan in dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins; a neurotransmitter that provides a state of pleasure and happiness. This quality reduces the risk of suffering from depression.
Dark chocolate is an excellent source of vitamins B and A, as well as minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, and more.
It makes your skin look radiant
A benefit of consuming dark chocolate that excites girls is the effect it can have on the skin. The content of vitamin A and flavonoids, which function as antioxidants, increases the elasticity of the skin and disguises fine lines.
We can appreciate the benefits not only by consuming it, but also through topical use. That’s why we can find so many beauty products made with this component.
Favors weight loss
Although it seems contradictory, because of its fat and sugar content, dark chocolate favors weight reduction, as long as we consume it in moderation.
One of the reasons is that it increases satiety, which allows you to reach the next meal without eating as many snacks in between. This same reason also makes us eat smaller portions at mealtime.
Likewise, it provides an extra boost of energy, which helps us carry out a training routine. By making you feel happy, the cravings for sweet and fatty products are also reduced, which can lead to weight loss.
In conclusion, it’s good to eat dark chocolate every day if you wish, although it’s always important to control our portions.
To take advantage of the nutrients and properties of dark chocolate, we must consume it in its purest form and of the highest quality.
Don’t be afraid of the pleasure of eating delicious chocolate and enjoying its benefits.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Ivan M. Petyaev et al. “Dark Chocolate: Opportunity for an Alliance between Medical Science and the Food Industry?”, Front Nutr. 2017; 4: 43
- Grassi, D., Lippi, C., Necozione, S., Desideri, G., & Ferri, C. (2005). Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- Kerimi, A., & Williamson, G. (2015). The cardiovascular benefits of dark chocolate. Vascular Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vph.2015.05.011