The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is known to contain between 50% and 90% cocoa content, making this delicious treat something of a health wonder.

If you’ve heard myths and rumors about dark chocolate and its health benefits, then one of the questions you will have on your mind is – is dark chocolate good for you?

When consumed in moderation and when you choose dark chocolate with fewer quantities of sugar and calories, dark chocolate can be quite a healthy treat.

Below, we go over a few of the health benefits of dark chocolate. So, keep reading to find out more!

The health benefits of dark chocolate

It’s rich in flavanols

If you haven’t heard of flavanols before, let’s get down to business. These are a type of flavonoid, which is found in plants (in the case of dark chocolate, it’s the cacao tree that is used to produce the treat in question). With that out of the way, let’s look at some of the health benefits of flavanols. Impressively, they are highly important for heart health.

Why? Because flavanols are related to the production of nitric oxide. This, in turn, can help improve blood flow and also lowers high blood pressure. And because of improved blood flow, you can also enjoy greater protection from heart disease. Even more, dark chocolate’s flavanols are good for cognition, fighting cell damage that’s related to aging, and it can increase your sensitivity to insulin.

It’s a source of important minerals

Examples of these minerals include iron, magnesium (for improving your sleep quality), zinc (for strengthening your immune system), copper, and phosphorus (for healthy bones and teeth). In addition, any 70%+ dark chocolate contains antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and calcium, too.

It is considered non-dairy

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.

It is high in fiber

About one ounce of dark chocolate contains about four grams of fiber.

It can protect your skin from sun damage

Chocolate can provide significant photoprotection and be effective in safeguarding human skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. This is where those flavanols come in because of improved 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. Unfortunately, regular chocolate bars have no such effect.

It can enhance your mood

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.

It can help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease

A recent 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.

It can improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes

Speaking of diabetes above, eating dark chocolate is also associated with improving the metabolization of glucose, as part of a healthy diet to prevent type 2 diabetes.

It can be good for your gut

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.

It fights free radicals

Free radicals cause damage to our cells. 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.

It can help to balance your cholesterol

We know that there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. And dark chocolate can send good cholesterol up and bad cholesterol levels down. However, it’s not a cure-all and it needs to be balanced with a healthy diet.

And there you have it! Now you know what are the health benefits of dark chocolate.

How to make the most of dark chocolate

If you want to make the most of dark chocolate, the best is not to over-consume it. Eating it in small and healthy quantities is the best way to go. And if you want to make the most of dark chocolate, it’s worth knowing that you can use it in plenty of different ways.

Examples include baking, for self-indulgence from time to time, and of course, to share a special moment with someone special by offering them the gift of dark chocolate. And speaking of gifts, you can now present something truly personalized and unique with premium dark chocolate that ensures you leave a positive and wonderful lasting impression.

Here to meet all your chocolate needs

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.