Little Known Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Sharing some little known health benefits of chocolate! Dark chocolate has long been known as a super food; these are some benefits you may not be familiar with. Go ahead–indulge! It’s good for you!

Dark chocolate is more than delicious, it’s healthy too! While there are several brands to choose from, Lindt, Ghirardelli Intense Dark and Godiva 72% Cacao Chocolate Bars come highly recommended by nutritionists and health professionals alike.

These are four (of many) benefits of adding dark chocolate to the menu. Whether you prefer to make yourself a slightly-sweetened cup of cocoa or mix it into a pot homemade chili, health-wise this chocolate just can’t be beat!

Improves Blood Flow

Consuming dark chocolate has a positive effect on your body’s overall blood flow. Here’s how it works. Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which promote the production of nitric oxide in your arteries.

This nitric oxide signals the arteries to relax and allows blood to flow more easily through them. This leads to lower blood pressure and better heart health.

Not only that, dark chocolate is instrumental in improving cognitive skills in elderly patients dealing with dementia or the aftermath of a stroke.

These Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bites are a quick, no-bake way to get your chocolate fix!

Protects Your Skin from the Sun

Regularly eating dark chocolate helps to keep your skin from burning in the sun. Studies show that including this chocolate in your diet improves blood flow to the skin (as mentioned above) as well as improving your resistance to UV rays.

It doesn’t make you totally immune, however, so it’ still necessary to wear sunscreen whenever you go outside.

Packed With Antioxidants

Many foods contain antioxidants, which are comprised of plant compounds, vitamins and minerals that prevent harmful oxidation in the body. What is oxidation? Simply put, it’s a chemical reaction that produces free radicals, typically leading to a variety of health complications… including cancer.

Since it’s packed with so many antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavanols, dark chocolate is one of the most potent free-radical fighting foods when it comes to antioxidant power. It’s even packs a bigger punch than red wine and tea.

Remember, there’s nothing that says you can’t consume dark chocolate AND red wine in the same day if you so choose. It’s a double win-win!

Hardens Tooth Enamel

Because it contains theobromine, dark chocolate has the potential to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Theobromine has been shown to harden tooth enamel, which prevents cavities from forming.

Make sure to choose chocolate with a high cacao percentage and avoid lighter milk chocolates. The second type is high in sugar content, which causes damage to your teeth instead.

These 25 Chocolate Recipes to Make This Week has something for everyone!

Choosing Your Chocolate

There are actually two kinds of chocolate suitable for this healthy purpose. Dark chocolate, also referred to as semisweet chocolate and extra dark chocolate, which is commonly known as bittersweet. The difference between the two has to do with the ratio of pure cocoa in each product.

Even though dark chocolate is good for, consuming it in moderation is key. One to two ounces per day is all you need to reap the benefits that this form of cacao provides. Remember, overeating any chocolate can result in heartburn, indigestion and severe headaches.

Thanks for reading all about the Little Known Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate! Have a fantastic day!