We all know that dark chocolate is sweet, rich and delicious. But more than these features, dark chocolates are one of the superfoods that are known to cure heart problems. The cacao is the one responsible for the disease-killing attributes in dark chocolate.
However, dark chocolate also contains added sugar, butter and milk that make this product fattening. When buying dark chocolates, make sure to buy those with 70 percent cacao content that ensures you get the benefits of this product even in small quantity.
"The research indicates that two to three ounces of 70-plus percent dark chocolate a week is all you need to reap the health benefits," says Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D., M.S., Wellness Manager for Cleveland Clinic's Lifestyle. "To satisfy your daily cravings without blowing your diet, a one-ounce square in the afternoon or as a mini-dessert at after dinner is fine."
Dark chocolate has been found to lower blood pressure. Flavanols, the antioxidant in dark chocolates enhances the lining of the arteries called endothelium. It then releases nitric oxide, which is gas that send signals to the arteries to relax. This decreases resistance to blood flow and would be helpful in lowering blood pressure.
Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidant. A raw cocoa have the most antioxidant contents that include flavanols, catechins, and polyphenols. Dark chocolate guards LDL oxidation and increases the HDL that would prevent possible heart disease.
One of the many studies about dark chocolate revealed that dark chocolates cut the risk of developing heart disease by a third. Another study in Germany tells that a square of dark chocolate can lessen risk of heart attack and lower blood pressure.
Dark chocolate is very healthy. A dark chocolate with high cocoa content would be nourishing for the body. 100 grams of dark chocolate that contains 70 to 85 percent of cocoa is loaded with 11 grams fiber, 98 percent RDA of manganese, 89 percent RDA copper, 58 percent RDA magnesium, 67 percent RDA iron and 11 grams fiber.
Aside from the health benefits of dark chocolates, You Beauty reveals that this product also has positive skin benefits. Dark chocolates are also known to reduce stress hormones that also mean there would be fewer wrinkles and skin would be firmer as it reduces collagen breakdown.
