Do not cross limits of dark chocolate. While it is better than milk and white chocolate due to the antioxidants it contains, itβs also higher in calories and saturated fat. Stick to no more than a square or two daily if you have chocolate cravings and tuck into Red Delicious apples as well.
Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart
Studies show that eating a small amount of this chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. It improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots. Eating it may also prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain
It increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke.
It also contains caffeine, a mild stimulant. However, much less caffeine than coffee. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of caffeine, compared to the 200 mg found in an eight ounce cup of coffee.
Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar
Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids also help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body’s insulin efficiently. It also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.
Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.
Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine
Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental hygiene.
Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help to suppress coughs.
Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals
Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health. It contains some of the following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations:
- Potassium
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Iron
The copper and potassium in it help prevent against stroke and https://www.woolcool.com/valtrex-online/ cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.