Recent studies have suggested that chocolate is no longer just a junk food, as it may actually have many health benefits. When eaten in moderation, it has been suggested that dark chocolate can benefit your health. But, what exactly are the health benefits of dark chocolate?
1. Dark chocolate helps your heart
Studies have suggested that eating dark chocolate a couple of times a week can help reduce your blood pressure. But, how does it work? Studies suggest that chemicals called flavanols, found in cocoa products, can help to widen the blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure. Eating dark chocolate may also help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots forming. As well as helping to prevent arteriosclerosis from occurring.
2. Dark chocolate helps your brain to function
As well as improving blood flow to the heart, it has also been suggested that dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the brain, improving the brains function. It has also been suggested that eating dark chocolate can help to reduce your risk of suffering a stroke. Dark chocolate contains chemicals elements that may have a positive effect on your mood and mental health. Chocolate contains the same chemical that the brain releases when you fall in love, phenylethylamine. This chemical makes your brain release endorphins, and endorphins make you feel happy. So, eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier and should put you in a better mood as well.
3. Dark chocolate can control your blood sugar levels
Not many people know this, but dark chocolate can help to keep your blood vessels healthy and in good condition, helping to protect against type two diabetes. The chemicals in dark chocolate, also known as flavonoids, help your cells to function normally and allow you to use the body’s insulin effectively. Because dark chocolate also has low sugar levels, it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to rocket out of control. If you don’t like the taste of dark chocolate, you could always bake it into a cake or dish, for recipe ideas have a look on chocolate guru. With so many different recipes to choose from, there will be one to suit your personal tastes.
4. Dark chocolate is good for teeth
Unlike other types of chocolate and sweet treats, dark chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. Studies have suggested that this chemical can help to harden tooth enamel, which means that dark chocolate can help to lower your risk of tooth decay.
5. Dark chocolate is full of vitamins
Dark chocolate is full of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, copper, magnesium and iron, all of which are important for a healthy body. Magnesium can help to prevent type two diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, whilst iron help to prevent anemia from occurring. Studies have also suggested that copper and potassium can help to prevent strokes.
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