7 Proven Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate — www.healthzigzag.com -

3 min readOct 3, 2019

Dark chocolate (with 70% cocoa) helps us protect the heart, is rich in antioxidants and stimulates blood flow to the brain, so it helps improve cognitive function.

Most of us do not need a reason to eat dark chocolate. It is delicious and can help us lift our spirits when we don’t feel well. However, there are those who believe that the consumption of chocolate can be bad because it can make you fat or raise cholesterol due to its fat and sugar content.

The truth is that unlike what many believe, the consumption of dark chocolate has many health benefits. However, as long as we eat it frequently but in small portions.

The benefits of chocolate are based mainly on its flavonoid contents, which are especially good for heart health, in addition to functioning as antioxidants in our body.

For this, it is important to keep in mind that the recommended chocolate is black. Indeed, with a minimum of 70% cocoa, it is more beneficial than stuffed or milk chocolates. Want more reasons to eat chocolate?

Here are 7 Proven Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants

Dark chocolate is a rich source of powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, among others. Antioxidants are very important, as they help to free the body from free radicals. These, on the other hand, are the cause of the oxidative damage of the cells.

Dark chocolate benefits your heart

One-third of the fat in cocoa butter contains stearic acid, which the liver converts into oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat. Oleic acid is a compound that helps reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels while raising good HDL cholesterol levels.

Dark chocolate is good for the brain

Finally, we find phenylethylamine, which releases endorphins in the brain, which creates a sense of well-being.

Benefits of dark chocolate for your skin

Being rich in antioxidants, chocolate also helps to:

Have softer skin
Less dry and hydrated skin
More resistant to UV rays

Cocoa promotes good blood circulation in the fine capillaries in the upper layer of the skin, which are responsible for oxygenating and delivering the essential nutrients that the skin needs to protect itself from dehydration and burns.

Do you know dark chocolate also benefits your teeth?

Unlike many other sweets, dark chocolate can help reduce the risk of decay, Yes, as long as we have good hygiene every day. Indeed, it contains a substance called theobromine, which according to studies, is good for hardening tooth enamel.

Dark chocolate is full of essential minerals

Dark chocolate has key minerals that help us promote good health throughout the body. This food is distinguished mainly by having minerals such as copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. These essential nutrients in dark chocolate benefit your health in many ways.

Can help fight chronic fatigue

For this study, people with fatigue consumed 1 and ½ ounces of 85% cocoa dark chocolate, every day for 8 weeks. The result was a less tired feeling after consuming chocolate. Dark chocolate benefits in chronic fatigue very well.

The Bottom Line

After knowing these little curiosities, you can enjoy even more eating chocolate. Of course, all in moderation!

Originally published at https://healthzigzag.com on October 3, 2019.