Dark chocolate has long been hailed as a culinary delight and a source of pleasure for many people. Its rich, intense flavor is like no other, and it has the ability to transport us to a world of pure indulgence. But there is more to dark chocolate than just its taste; it also boasts a myriad of health benefits that make it truly magical. One of the main reasons why dark chocolate is so beloved is its ability to uplift our mood and improve our overall well-being. When we eat dark chocolate, our brains release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that make us feel happy and content. This magical effect is why many people turn to dark chocolate during times of stress or sadness, as it has the power to make us feel better almost instantly.
Helps maintain skin health
Eating dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) is a great way to maintain the quality of your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is packed with antioxidants and contains caffeine. When you combine all these factors, you’ll realise that the confection stands as an effective antidote to sun damage and all the concerns it spurs like pigmentation, dullness and more.
According to the World Cocoa Foundation, about 50 million chocolatiers purchase their chocolate from them, though many initiatives are underway to source fair trade chocolate and end deforestation. Sweet Facts In general, chocolate is the typically sweet, often brown, food preparation of Theobroma cacao seeds, in which it is roasted, ground, and often flavored.
This magical effect is why many people turn to dark chocolate during times of stress or sadness, as it has the power to make us feel better almost instantly. But the magic of dark chocolate goes beyond its mood-enhancing properties. Recent scientific studies have shown that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, which help to fight off harmful free radicals and prevent damage to our cells.
The Magic of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, once considered a rare treat is now mainstream. It has become the acceptable snack for wannabe healthy eaters for good reasons. Dark chocolate is relatively low in calories and the secret behind its powerful punch is cocoa. Packed with healthy chemicals like flavonoids and theobromine, this little bean is a disease-killing bullet.
Nutritional Value : A quality dark chocolate which has high cocoa content is very nutritious. It contains decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals like Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese etc.
A 100 gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains:
- 11 grams of fiber
- 67% of the RDA for Iron
- 58% of the RDA for Magnesium
- 89% of the RDA for Copper
- 98% of the RDA for Manganese
- Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium
Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation.
Here are 11 scientifically established health benefits of good dark chocolate:
1. Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure - A recent study found that dark chocolate helps in restoring flexibility in arteries and prevents white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels thus preventing artery clogging. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
2. Reduces the risk of stroke - Researchers have found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of suffering a stroke - by a staggering 17 per cent average in the group of men they tested.
3. Reduces cholesterol - Consumption of cocoa has been shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise levels of good cholesterol (HDL), potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Brain booster - Dark chocolate may also improve the function of the brain. Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It also improves verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease. Cocoa also contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason cocoa, can improve brain function in the short term.
5. Helps Control Blood Sugar - Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low glycaemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.
6. Is Full of Antioxidants - Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.
7. Contains Theobromine - Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental hygiene. Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help to suppress coughs.
8. Its vitamin and mineral rich - Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health. Dark chocolate contains high concentrations of vitamins and minerals like, potassium, copper, manganese and iron. The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anaemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
9. Energy booster - Chocolate really packs an aphrodisiac punch because it also contains the compound theobromine, found in tea and kola nuts as well. This substance works on the central nervous system, causing one to feel stimulated and excited.
10.Stimulates and elevates mood - Chocolate is known as a super libido food partly because it is a rich source of PEA, the acronym for phenylethylamine, sometimes referred to as the 'love supplement' or the 'romance chemical.' This chemical enhances feelings of well-being, joy, and sexual pleasure. It is said that you should have dark chocolate 2 hours before a stressful event as it makes you calm and stress free.
11.Boots sperm count - Dark chocolate also contains L-arginine, which is also present in red meat, nuts, spinach and lentils, whole grains, soy, seafood and eggs. This amino acid is needed for sperm production and when consumed, increases sperm count and boosts semen volume. According to The University of Michigan Health System, several months of L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count, quality, and fertility.
Important Point to Ponder -
There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against cardiovascular disease. But of course, this does not mean people should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat on. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them.
You need to choose quality dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. Dark chocolates often contain sugar, but the amounts are usually small.
'The darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain.'
2. Reduces the risk of stroke - Researchers have found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of suffering a stroke - by a staggering 17 per cent average in the group of men they tested.
These antioxidants, known as flavonoids, have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammation. Another remarkable benefit of dark chocolate is its ability to enhance brain function. The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, which can enhance cognitive function and improve memory. This is why dark chocolate is often referred to as "brain food" and is favored by students and professionals alike. In addition to its mood-boosting and health-enhancing properties, dark chocolate is also a great source of essential minerals. It is rich in iron, magnesium, and copper, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy body. These minerals support a healthy immune system, promote good cardiovascular health, and aid in the production of red blood cells. The magic of dark chocolate lies not only in its delectable taste but also in its numerous health benefits. From improving our mood to boosting brain function and supporting overall health, dark chocolate truly is a remarkable treat. So the next time you indulge in a piece of dark chocolate, savor not only its exquisite flavor but also the magic it brings to your body and mind..
Reviews for "Mind over Matter: How Dark Chocolate Can Improve Cognitive Function"
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The magic of dark chocolate". I was expecting a deliciously rich and indulgent experience, but instead, I found it to be incredibly bitter and unpleasant. The chocolate had a strange aftertaste that lingered in my mouth for far too long. I don't understand why people rave about dark chocolate; this definitely wasn't an enjoyable treat for me.
- John - 1 out of 5 stars - I honestly don't understand the hype around dark chocolate after trying "The magic of dark chocolate". The texture was grainy and it lacked the smoothness and creaminess that I look for in a good chocolate bar. The taste was just overwhelmingly bitter, and I couldn't enjoy it at all. I won't be buying this brand of dark chocolate again.
- Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - As a fan of milk chocolate, I thought I would give dark chocolate a try with "The magic of dark chocolate". Unfortunately, it was a complete letdown. The bitterness was overpowering, and it left a strange tangy taste in my mouth. I didn't find it enjoyable at all, and I'll definitely stick to my favorite milk chocolate treats in the future.
- David - 3 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "The magic of dark chocolate" based on the reviews I had read, but it didn't live up to my expectations. While the chocolate had a smooth texture, the taste was too bitter for my liking. It lacked the sweetness that I crave in a good chocolate bar. It's not terrible, but it's definitely not my first choice when it comes to indulging in chocolate.