The good news is that chocolate can be good for your health. However, the key word here is “can.” It depends on the type of chocolate and, of course, how much of the dessert you eat.
Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The higher the cocoa content, the more nutritious the dessert. Also, check the ingredients carefully for added sugar and other harmful additives.
The name "dark chocolate" does not guarantee that the dessert will not contain sugar, milk and everything else that steals the benefits. However, you can choose chocolate with nuts - they add nutrition and satiety.
Let's learn more about the nutrients you can get from dark chocolate, as well as the health benefits that come with it. And, of course, remember why you shouldn't overindulge in the dessert.
Reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants. The product helps relax blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. It also leads to an increase in high-density lipoproteins (the so-called good cholesterol) and a decrease in low-density (bad) lipoproteins, which is good for heart health.
Prevention of blood clots
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that chocolate polyphenols improve circulation. By widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow, this may help reduce the risk of blood clots.
Support for the mind and mood
Besides, chocolate makes you smile, it also has a positive effect on the brain. The dessert helps regulate the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which contributes to a good mood.
Eating chocolate can help improve your mood and focus thanks to the powerful flavonoids in cocoa. So a little quality chocolate certainly doesn't hurt.
Flavonoids in cocoa may help improve attention, processing speed, and working memory—all essential for productivity. Research also suggests that these compounds may keep your brain functioning at its best by pumping more blood to the hippocampus, the part of the brain where memories are formed.
Charge of energy
30 g of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa contains about 25 mg of caffeine (250 ml of coffee contains about 95 mg). Although this does not seem like much, even this amount of caffeine has an effect on the body, so if you want to indulge in chocolate before bed, be careful.
More calories
Dark chocolate has many health benefits, but it is very easy to consume too many calories if you indulge in the dessert. Chocolate typically contains about 170 kcal per 30 g.
The caloric content of milk and white chocolate can exceed 200 kcal per serving. And with chocolates with fruit or cream filling, strict restrictions should be observed.
