If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), here’s some good news: not only is it delicious, it’s also good for you! This might sound too good to be true, but dark chocolate has been shown to have several health benefits for those who indulge in a piece or two. Here’s the lowdown so you can enjoy this bittersweet treat guilt-free.
What is dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate is made from the seed (or bean) of the cocoa tree and generally contains anywhere between 50-100% cocoa in order to count as ‘dark.’ Unlike milk and white chocolate, this confection doesn’t contain any milk. The higher the cocoa percentage (and lower the amount of sugar), the more bitter it tastes.
Studies have shown that good quality dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese and magnesium. This means that – in small portions and as part of a balanced diet – it can actually be good for our health. As a rough guide, the higher the cocoa percentage, the better for you the chocolate will be. So if you’ve been looking for a good excuse to purchase a treat from Dallmann Chocolates, you might just have found it!
What are the health benefits of dark chocolate?
Eating dark chocolate has been shown to have numerous positive impacts on our health. One of the most well-known of these is helping your heart to stay healthy. Studies have found that those who eat dark chocolate have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. This is thought to be because the flavonoids it contains can relax our blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. It may also help to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the body.
Research has also shown that dark chocolate is good for our brain. The flavanols it contains are thought to stimulate cognitive function and perhaps even offer some protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This means that eating dark chocolate could potentially help improve your memory and other mental functions – making it the perfect snack for studying!
On top of all of this, dark chocolate may be beneficial for your skin. There are suggestions that it can help protect against harmful UV rays from the sun and also support the production of collagen. This protein is important for Keeping skin young-looking and healthy. As if it couldn’t get any better, some studies have indicated that dark chocolate can have an anti-inflammatory effect in digestive conditions such as IBS and even that it has cancer-fighting properties.
Finally – and this may not be news to you – eating dark chocolate makes you happy! It can stimulate areas of the brain associated with reward and pleasure, decreasing stress and putting you in a better mood. Just remember not to over-indulge. Nutritionists recommend that around 20g (six small pieces or two large squares) is an appropriate portion size. Aim for good quality, organic chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa in order to maximize the health benefits.
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