If you are wondering where does dark chocolate come from, the answer is not as simple as your local grocery store. Dark chocolate, known for its bitter flavor and high cocoa content, dates back several thousand years to Central America. Previously consumed as a liquid, something akin to the elixir of the gods, today, it is refined and processed to the dark chocolate bars and varieties we know and love.
With this in mind, you may have heard some tales of the advantages of dark chocolate. If so, you’ve come to the right place. That’s because in this article, we cover some important cocoa bean benefits, particularly health benefits.
We also show you where to source some of the highest quality dark chocolate to indulge your senses. Yes, we are talking about Totally Chocolate and our broad selection of the finest, premium dark chocolate you can find. Let’s get started.
Health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa beans
Dark chocolate, a delicious treat enjoyed by many, offers more than just a satisfying taste. Packed with flavanols, antioxidants, and minerals, dark chocolate boasts a range of potential health benefits for both men and women. Here’s a breakdown of some key advantages of dark chocolate:
Nutritional powerhouse
- Dark chocolate boasts a wealth of minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc , copper, and phosphorus, supporting immunity, bone health, and sleep quality.
- It’s a good source of fiber compared to other sweet treats, aiding digestion. One ounce of dark chocolate contains about four grams of fiber.
- Dark chocolate with 70%+ cocoa content also contains antioxidants, potassium, and calcium.
- Being considered a non-dairy product, this is great for those who have issues with lactose or sensitivity to lactose products. Although dark chocolate rarely contains milk or milk solids, it’s always worth checking the list of ingredients on the packaging.
Enhanced cognitive function
- Improved memory and focus: Flavanols in dark chocolate may positively impact memory, learning, and focus, potentially benefiting people of all ages.
- Mood booster: Dark chocolate can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are “feel-good” chemicals that can elevate mood and reduce stress.
Antioxidant champion
- Rich in flavanols, dark chocolate fights free radicals and protects against oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging and diseases
- Fighting free radicals, which can cause damage to our cells, dark chocolate comes in as a clear winner. These unstable oxygen molecules can sometimes lead to certain cancers. And that’s where dark chocolate comes to the fore, because it fights cell inflammation and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Although research on this topic remains limited, it’s going in a positive direction to show that there may be even more benefits to eating dark chocolate than we initially thought.
- Antioxidants in dark chocolate may also improve blood flow throughout the body, including the brain .
Heart health
- Dark chocolate consumption is linked to a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. A recent study found that eating dark chocolate once a week was associated with an 8% lower risk of blocked arteries. Another study discovered that eating about 1 oz of chocolate was associated with lower risk of coronary artery disease and even type 2 diabetes.
- Dark chocolate consumption may improve blood flow throughout the body, benefiting cardiovascular health having protective effects on endothelial function and diabetes.
- It can improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. And speaking of diabetes, eating dark chocolate is also associated with improving the metabolization of glucose, as part of a healthy diet to prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Dark chocolate can lower blood pressure by promoting nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels.
- Some studies suggest it can improve cholesterol levels by lowering “bad” LDL and raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
Benefits of dark chocolate for women
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) relief: Studies suggest dark chocolate consumption may alleviate PMS symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, and cravings.
- Improved bone health: Some studies suggest dark chocolate might positively impact bone mineral density, potentially beneficial for women at risk of osteoporosis.
Benefits of dark chocolate for men
- Improved physical performance: Dark chocolate may enhance nitric oxide production, potentially improving blood flow and exercise performance.
- Sperm health: Early research suggests dark chocolate might improve sperm motility and health in men.
Other potential benefits
- Skin health: Moderate consumption of dark chocolate may offer photoprotection and protect your skin from UV ray damage due to its antioxidant properties. Specifically, because of flavanols helping to improve blood flow to the skin. In addition, dark chocolate contains manganese, which can help with the production of collagen, which is what helps your skin look young.
- Improves mood: Studies suggest it can enhance mood by lowering stress hormones. Related to the term “polyphenolic compounds”, which dark chocolate contains, it’s also worth noting that this delicious treat can also lead to increased feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. Overall, dark chocolate can contribute to you feeling happier! And this is scientifically proven in a January 2022 study.
- Helps the gut: Early research indicates dark chocolate might improve brain function and even benefit the gut microbiome. Because it has been shown to play a role in controlling appetite, and the fact that it triggers hormones to signal to the brain that you are full, eating dark chocolate can not only be helpful for your gut, but it’s also one way of keeping your weight under control. However, this should be balanced with a healthy diet. In addition, dark chocolate behaves like a prebiotic (not PRObiotic), which is a type of fiber that encourages the growth of “good” bacteria in your stomach. This means a better and improved ability to absorb nutrients and support a healthy metabolism.
- Reduced inflammation: Dark chocolate’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce chronic inflammation associated with various health conditions.
- Improved blood sugar control: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Dark chocolate is good for weight loss: some ongoing research suggests potential mechanisms by which cocoa might influence weight management. Cocoa helps in weight loss by improving mitochondrial biogenesis.
And there you have it: the answers to the question of what are the benefits of eating dark chocolate. The good news is that there are numerous dark chocolate benefits. But is dark chocolate healthy and are there any dark chocolate side effects? We explore this in more detail below.
Is dark chocolate healthy?
Overall, consuming dark chocolate can be considered healthy for the heart, brain, gut, and overall health. However, this comes with two caveats. Firstly, dark chocolate should be consumed in moderation. Secondly, if you are wondering what percent dark chocolate is healthy, the answer is to always choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more. Also, check the ingredients to see the amounts of sugar that the dark chocolate contains to ensure that you are not piling on unnecessary calories. So, with these tips in mind, you will probably want to know how much dark chocolate should you eat a day. Here’s the answer:
- Dark chocolate is still calorie-dense, so moderation is key. A serving size is typically 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams).
- Be mindful of potential lead and cadmium content in some brands. Opt for varieties with a good reputation for safety.
For those of you curious about where to source your high-quality dark chocolate, Totally Chocolate is the answer. Our broad range of dark chocolate selections means you can finally discover your perfect dark chocolate match.
Are there any dark chocolate side effects?
Like all things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. That’s why consuming too much dark chocolate can have some negative side effects. In particular, these side effects are related to caffeine in dark chocolate. Some of these include:
- Nervousness
- Increased urination
- Sleeplessness
- Faster heartbeat
- Migraine headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Constipation and gas
- And others
This is why moderation in consuming dark chocolate is key.
Discover your perfect match and explore the delicious world of dark chocolate with Totally Chocolate
Yes, the words dark chocolate and health benefits do go together! Dark chocolate, when consumed sensibly, can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. Its antioxidant content offers a range of potential health benefits, particularly for heart health. Remember, moderation is key, and prioritize high-cocoa content for the most good with minimal drawbacks.
Whether you’re looking for personalized chocolate bars or you’d like to place your business logo on chocolate, we’ve got you covered. Here to cater to your every chocolate need, simply get in touch with us to see how we can help you turn your chocolate vision into reality.
From the final packaging to the engraved chocolate designs or special messages, we truly offer a “total” chocolate experience and solution to everyone who knows about the power of gifting chocolate. And with its amazing health benefits, dark chocolate is not only a treat, it’s a way towards better, healthier living, too.
