Dark chocolate is one of the most consumed products worldwide, not only for its exquisite flavor and its wide variety of features, but also for its versatility. And it is that this food allows the elaboration and the accompaniment of a large number of dishes and drinks that attract both adults and small.
But did you know that dark chocolate is also an ingredient of the most beneficial for your health? While it is true that it is a product around which many myths and doubts revolve, in the following article of we will clear each of them. What are the most popular benefits of dark chocolate? Is dark chocolate fattening or is it good for weight loss? Read!
Properties and benefits of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, unlike what happens with milk chocolate or white chocolate, has more cocoa and less sugars and fats, which brings many more benefits than disadvantages for your health.
This ingredient, that is, 100% cocoa, contains large amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, etc., in addition to vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. These nutrients, together with the natural antioxidants and flavonoids of dark chocolate, make this product a delight for the palate and for health. That is why we can say that some of the most important properties of dark chocolate are:
- Antioxidant properties
- Antiviral properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Satiating properties
- Stimulating properties
- Anticoagulant properties
To benefit from all these properties, the consumption of a single square of dark chocolate is enough. Do you want to discover each of the benefits of dark chocolate? Be sure to read the following article.
Dark chocolate to combat heart problems
Dark chocolate is known, among many other things, for contributing to the good state of the heart. This is because being a great source of antioxidants, this product is responsible for regulating blood flow correctly and preventing the appearance of blood clots in the long term.
In addition, and closely linked to this, it is worth mentioning that dark chocolate also helps reduce blood pressure, since its high nitric oxide content relaxes the arteries and promotes better blood circulation. So, people with high blood pressure or heart problems don't have to give up a piece of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate for the health of your skin
Dark chocolate, due to its flavonoids, antioxidant properties and active compounds, also acts as a fabulous home remedy for the skin. Not only does it hydrate it in depth and prevent dryness and itching, but it also guarantees optimal blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin.
In addition, dark chocolate also helps protect the skin from the sun, as it creates greater resistance to ultraviolet rays that prevents dehydration and other damage. That is why there are so many aesthetic treatments and face masks whose main ingredient is dark chocolate. Haven't tried it yet?
Be sure to visit this other article about What are the benefits of chocolate for the skin.
Dark chocolate for symptoms of depression
Although it may sound surprising to some, dark chocolate contributes to reducing some symptoms of depression such as decaimento and anguish. This is because dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a natural substance that acts as a neutrotransmitter and has psychoactive effects that can be remarkably positive.
Of course, in no case should dark chocolate (or any other food) be understood as a remedy to depression or anxiety, since these are serious mental disorders that must always be treated by health professionals.
Dark chocolate for more energy
They say that dark chocolate is one of the best allies of athletes, and the truth is that it is not surprising. Due to its calories and stimulating properties, this product is able to provide your body with extra energy even in times of greatest weakness.
So, if you want to enjoy a product that has an effect similar to that of caffeine but is much more natural, chocolate will not disappoint you.
Chocolate to improve memory
Dark chocolate is highly recommended for older people and people who, in general, need to boost their concentration … why? Because dark chocolate has the ability to increase blood flow to the brain and improve the memory and cognitive abilities of those who consume it.
Being such a stimulating substance (because dark chocolate contains theobromine, very similar to caffeine), it is a food that can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Dark chocolate to regulate cholesterol
Moderate consumption of dark chocolate is ideal for those suffering from cholesterol problems, as it lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (i.e., LDL) in the blood and increases levels of good cholesterol (HDL).
Dark chocolate for the liver
Before explaining how dark chocolate can benefit the health of your liver, we must clarify that the abundant consumption of any type of chocolate in people who suffer from fatty liver can be very negative, since these foods are already fatty in themselves.
However, a study from the Geneva Hospital claimed that dark chocolate consumed in moderation was very beneficial for cirrhosis patients, as the properties of this food lower liver blood pressure and reduce the risk of endothelial dysfunction.
Dark chocolate for tooth enamel
Contrary to what many believe, dark chocolate not only does not harm teeth but helps strengthen tooth enamel.
We must also thank theobromine for this, since it is a substance that prevents the bacteria in our mouth from producing the acid that damages the enamels. So, eating some completely dark chocolate from time to time can also be beneficial for your mouth.
Dark chocolate to improve your sex life
Did you know that the substance called phenylethylamine in dark chocolate is also known as “the chemical romace“? Dark chocolate is an aphrodisiac food with stimulating properties that, as we have seen before, is able to improve the mood of any person.
These properties make dark chocolate an ideal ingredient to induce pleasure, so if you are interested in improving your sex life naturally, adding dark chocolate in your life can be a great solution.
In this case, you may also be interested in visiting these articles on Natural Aphrodisiacs for Women and Natural Aphrodisiacs for Men.
Dark chocolate for the health of your hair
Did you know that black chocolae is the protagonist of many beauty treatments for hair? The vitamin B1 of dark chocolate is responsible for making this ingredient a perfect product for dehydrated and battered hair that lacks shine, softness and volume.
This stimulator will significantly favor the production of collagen in your hair, thus providing your hair with extreme luminosity and hydration. We tell you more about the Benefits of Chocolate for Hair in this other article from.
Dark chocolate to lose weight
Although we will go into more detail about whether dark chocolate makes you fat or not next, from we want to tell you that the satiating properties of dark chocolate are perfect for those who want to maintain their weight at bay.
Of course, it is a food that consumed excessively can make you fat, but the truth is that this happens with practically all products in the world. Instead, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can cause your appetite to decrease drastically and make you feel full with a minimum amount.
Does dark chocolate make you fat?
To end this note, it is important to understand that excessive consumption of any product can be harmful to health. Dark chocolate is no exception, since it contains certain calories and fats that although they are much lower than those of any other chocolate, can alter the regular functioning of your body.
However, dark chocolate does not make you fat if it is consumed in moderation and if it has more than 65% pure cocoa (and, of course, no added sugars). In fact, and as we have seen before, the incredible satiating properties of dark chocolate will make your appetite decrease markedly and you can achieve your ideal weight in less time.
In this other article called Does Chocolate Make You Fat? you will find much more useful information about the calories of dark chocolate.
