Dark chocolate is one of the most consumed products worldwide, not only because of its exquisite flavor and wide variety of benefits, but also because of its versatility. And it is that this food allows the preparation and accompaniment of a large number of dishes and drinks that attract both adults and children.
But, did you know that dark chocolate is also a very beneficial ingredient for your health? Although it is true that it is a product around which many myths and doubts revolve, in the following article we will clear up each one of them. What are the most popular benefits of dark chocolate ? Does dark chocolate make you fat or is it good for losing weight? Keep reading!
Properties and benefits of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate, unlike what happens with milk chocolate or white chocolate, has more cocoa and less sugar and fat, which provides many more benefits than drawbacks for your health.
This ingredient, that is, 100% cocoa, contains large amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, etc., as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. These nutrients, together with the natural antioxidants already the flavonoids in dark chocolate make this product a delight for the palate and for health. That is why we can affirm 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 condition 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 content of nitric oxide relaxes the arteries and promotes better blood circulation. Thus, people with high blood pressure or heart problems do not 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 is it responsible for deeply hydrating it and preventing 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 facial masks whose main ingredient is dark chocolate. Still you have not tried?
Dark chocolate for symptoms of depression
Although it may sound surprising to some, dark chocolate helps reduce some symptoms of depression such as dejection and anxiety. This is because dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a natural substance that acts as a neurotransmitter 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 for depression or anxiety, since they are serious mental disorders that should 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 its stimulating properties, this product is capable of providing your body with extra energy even in moments of greatest weakness.
So, if you want to enjoy a product that has a similar effect to caffeine but is much more natural, chocolate will not disappoint you.
Chocolate to improve memory
Dark chocolate is highly recommended for the elderly and people who, in general, need to boost their concentration… why? Well, because dark chocolate has the ability to increase blood flow to the brain and improve 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
The moderate consumption of dark chocolate is ideal for those who suffer from cholesterol problems, since it lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (ie, LDL) in the blood and increases the 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 suffering from fatty liver can be very negative, since these foods are already fatty in themselves.
However, a study by the Geneva Hospital confirmed that dark chocolate consumed in moderation was very beneficial for patients with cirrhosis, since the properties of this food lower hepatic 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 the teeth but also helps to 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 enamel. So eating a bit of completely dark chocolate from time to time can be good for your mouth too.
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 capable of improving anyone’s mood.
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 to your life can be a great solution.
Dark chocolate for the health of your hair
Did you know that black chocolate is the protagonist of many beauty treatments for hair? The vitamin B1 in dark chocolate is responsible for making this ingredient a perfect product for dehydrated and damaged hair that lacks shine, softness and volume.
This stimulator will notably favor the production of collagen in your hair, thus giving your hair extreme luminosity and hydration.
dark chocolate for weight loss
Although we will go into more detail about whether dark chocolate is fattening or not below, we want to tell you that the satiating properties of dark chocolate are perfect for those who want to keep their weight down .
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. In contrast, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can dramatically decrease your appetite and make you feel full with a minimal amount.
Does dark chocolate make you fat?
To finish 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 is not fattening if consumed in moderation and if it contains more than 65% pure cocoa (and, of course, without added sugars). In fact, and as we have seen before, the incredible satiating properties of dark chocolate will significantly reduce your appetite and help you achieve your ideal weight in less time.
