Top 5 health benefits of eating dark chocolates

Want to know about Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is derived from the beans of the cacao tree. It has a full-bodied, bittersweet taste created by blending cocoa solids, sugar and cocoa butter. The percentage of cocoa in the product affects its flavour and bitterness; with 70-85% being the most preferred concentration.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

1. This substance is rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc.
2. Antioxidants in this product offer great protection.
3. Eating dark chocolate rich in flavanols has been linked to improved cardiovascular health.
4. Consumption of dark chocolate with high cocoa levels in moderate amounts can be beneficial for cognitive function.
5. The high polyphenol content of this food may help to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.

Check the Nutrition profile of Dark Chocolate below:

Brands of chocolate may have different nutritional values due to their cocoa butter content and other ingredients used. These variations can cause the nutritional information to vary between brands.

A 20g serving of 70-85% dark chocolate generally contains:

• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 8.5g
• Saturated fat: 4.9g
• Carbs: 7.3g
• Sugar: 5.0g
• Fibre: 2.2g

Cocoa with higher percentages typically offers more nutrition-related benefits for its consumers. However, it's worth bearing in mind that not all dark chocolate retains its beneficial properties. This is because the manufacturing process - which involves cleaning, roasting and alkalising - as well as the addition of ingredients like sugar may strip chocolate of benefits that help to keep it healthy for you.

Dark chocolate might make an occasional treat but doesn't play a major role in a healthy diet. Too much dark chocolate can have adverse effects so it is important to control your intake (but not eliminate your favourite treats!).

What are the top 5 health benefits of having dark chocolates?

1. Provides Trace Minerals

Cocoa can be a healthy food. Not only does it provide your body with an abundance of nutrients, but it also contains antioxidants and healthy fats that help to regulate blood pressure levels and improve cholesterol.

2. Abundance of Protective Plant Compounds

Dark chocolate has many health benefits. It acts as an antioxidant and contains substances called flavonoids that have various health-protective qualities.

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in antioxidants unlike "super fruits,” which dark chocolate contains more of than blueberries or pomegranates.

3. The risk of Heart Disease can be reduced

Vascular health may be improved by diets high in beneficial flavanols. These diets can also help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure.

Dark chocolate has many different health benefits, including its role in flavonol content. Dark chocolate is an important part of a balanced diet and can help prevent lifestyle diseases later on. However, British Heart Foundation recommends caution in interpreting these findings as there are many factors to take into account. These include individuals' risk for heart disease & their overall diet, which may be more important than the role AI writers play.

4. Improves Brain Function

Yes, enjoying chocolate may provide some brain benefits, since it can increase your blood flow to the brain. It may also have other benefits for the body such as improving cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure.

Studies have shown that flavanols (found in cocoa and dark chocolate) provide benefits for healthy ageing, like maintaining cognitive function and treating dementia.

5. May modulate the Gut Microbiome

Consuming high-cocoa chocolate appears to modulate the community of microbes in your gut, which is called our microbiome. Consuming a high-fibre, low-protein diet can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Such a diet may help you avoid inflammatory conditions like heart disease & diabetes.

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