If there’s one thing I absolutely loved growing up, it’s chocolate. I clearly remember disliking dark chocolate. However, after reading about the health benefits of dark chocolate it definitely makes it taste a lot better.

As I began to experiment with dark chocolate, I’ll admit that the taste wasn’t that pleasant. It was bitter and sort of… gross. I’ve always given my tastebuds highly processed and factory-made foods, so of course, anything natural was gross to me.

That’s why I know 100% that once you cut the junk food from your life, you’ll be able to enjoy more and more of all the great foods the planet has to offer, including dark chocolate. It’s truly a delicious treat and a great snack with wonderful health benefits.

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What percentage of dark chocolate is good for you?

70% cocoa and up should be the guideline to follow. This means it’s more natural and less processed. Once the chocolate gets processed, it loses so much of its nutrients. Therefore, only consume 70% and higher and you’ll get to enjoy all these health benefits.

Wonderful Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Filled With Antioxidants

Did you know? Dark Chocolate has the highest amount of antioxidants than any other food. This includes multiple health foods such as blueberries and cranberries. Say What?! Oh yes, and that’s not all. It also contains all of these:

• Iron
• Fiber
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Copper
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Phosphorus
• Selenium

There are two types of antioxidants in this tasty treat: flavonoids and polyphenols.

Cool fact: dark chocolate has more flavonoids than what’s found in wine and tea. Since so, it may contain the ability to prevent cancer.

Helps And Prevents High Cholesterol

It’s been proven that cocoa powder decreases oxidized LDL cholesterol levels found in males. You may know this as ‘bad cholesterol’. Since it has the power to attack other tissues, getting its amount to lower promotes heart health. If you let them this substance run wild, it can eat up the lining of arteries located in the heart. Thank you cocoa bean!

Fights Diabetes

Please be aware that all chocolate contains sugar. The higher the percentage of cocoa found within it, the less sugar it has. Check the sugar amounts before consuming if you have any issues with sugar.

Dark chocolate prevents insulin resistance. That’s great news! Insulin resistance is the leading cause responsible for heart disease and diabetes. Not only that, but it lowers blood pressure. How cool is that?

Increases Blood Flow

Everything that you do is affected by the quality of blood flow inside your body. Since dark chocolate promotes blood flow, it affects multiple parts of the body. It improves skin quality, vision, heart health, and brain function. Because of this, dark chocolate is known as a ‘superfood’.

Try eating dark chocolate before you spend the day at the beach if you want to reduce your risk for sunburn.

 

 Reduces Inflammation

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are both caused by continuous inflammation of the hippocampus in the brain. By reducing inflammation, dark chocolate decreases your chances of ending up with these horrible diseases.

Promotes Dental Health

Dark chocolate contains a substance called theobromine. It causes tooth enamel to become harder resulting in the prevention of cavities. (Just be sure to continue to brush your teeth and floss like you’re supposed to.)

A Natural ‘Pick Me Up’

There’s a substance in dark chocolate called phenylethylamine. It tells the brain to produce endorphins that make the consumer feel good. Certainly, it’s no coincidence that chocolate is a go-to treat when people feel upset. Also, it’s the most popular gift during Valentine’s Day holiday. Love someone? Buy them chocolate. It makes perfect sense! (As long as it’s 70% and up.)

Now, you can enjoy this treat guilt-free (in moderation, of course).

I hope this list covering the health benefits of dark chocolate was helpful to you. Please share with anyone who may need this information. Also, feel free to leave a comment and tell me your thoughts or concerns regarding this information.

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