Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by prince lucky
People have viewed chocolate as a serious indulgence and an enemy of those looking to lose weight. Still, these beliefs do not align with the facts. If you enjoy chocolate daily, you may be doing your body a big favor and improving your health! Read on to learn more about the surprising health benefits of eating chocolate every day.
Health benefits of eating chocolate
Boost your brain power
In addition to being a food with flavor and texture, it contains stimulants that increase blood flow to your brain. Scientists found that people who ate 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of dark chocolate daily for two weeks performed better on specific cognitive tests than those who didn’t eat any. Dark chocolate also has anti-inflammatory properties. And if you’re worried about going overboard with all that fat, don’t be: A moderate amount can have cardiovascular benefits.
Help fight heart disease
A new study suggests that people who eat just one-eighth of an ounce of dark chocolate daily can help stave off heart disease. Researchers found that people who ate a small amount each day had lower levels of inflammation, which has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Add dark chocolates to your diet to curb your risk for such conditions. For those with no taste for sweets, try adding cocoa powder to coffee or smoothies.
Burn more calories
Chocolate contains a lot of fiber, and fiber is an excellent way to fill your belly and burn more calories. A high-fiber diet keeps you feeling full longer, helping to prevent overeating and weight gain.
There are other ways that chocolate can help you burn more calories. Chocolate also contains a good amount of caffeine, which boosts your energy and helps you burn more calories. Other effects of caffeine include increased blood sugar levels and improved concentration.
Chocolate is also packed with antioxidants, which aid in weight loss by fighting off cell-damaging free radicals in your body. In addition to boosting your metabolism, cocoa butter can make you feel full for longer by slowing down how quickly your stomach empties.
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Lower risk of stroke
Dark chocolate may reduce your stroke risk if you consume a small amount daily. The more chocolate people finished over 11 years, the less likely they were to have a stroke. Studies have shown that epicatechin and procyanidin can lower harmful cholesterol levels and inhibit platelet aggregation.
Stronger bones
Chocolate contains many nutrients that help improve bone strength, including magnesium, zinc, and manganese. But you need to eat two to three servings per week to physically impact your bones’ density (and not just prevent bone loss). Plus, don’t forget—you also need regular exercise to keep those bones strong!
Improve your skin tone
The cocoa in dark chocolate acts as a skin toner, helping improve its tone and texture. The antioxidants found in cacao can also lower your blood pressure by improving blood flow to vital organs throughout your body.
As well as improving your skin tone, eating a bar of dark chocolate can also help to improve your overall mood and boost your energy levels. This is due to naturally occurring substances called phenylethylamines (PEAs), which are responsible for triggering feel-good sensations when they reach your brain. Your body also releases endorphins during exercise, making you happier after exercising regularly. Antioxidants in cacao also increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
Aid with weight loss
While you may associate sugar with weight gain, studies suggest a little goes a long way. Eating just 1.4 ounces (40 grams) of dark chocolate (about a quarter- to half-ounce per day) can reduce your body fat by about 2 percent over 12 weeks, according to one study published in The Journal of Food Science.
Protect your teeth
Research shows that eating dark chocolate can help preserve tooth enamel, reducing tooth decay by about 20 percent. Make sure your chocolates are at least 60 percent cocoa to reap these rewards.
One study found that consuming two ounces per day, about one and a half squares of chocolate, for three months was enough to preserve tooth enamel. Researchers even found that drinking four ounces of dark chocolate over three months could reverse early signs of tooth decay. The key is to consume it consistently—not just on special occasions. It’s also essential to ensure your candy bar has at least 60 percent cocoa content.
Enhance blood circulation
Did you know dark chocolate flavonoids help lower blood pressure and enhance blood circulation? If you’re looking for a delicious way to improve your overall cardiovascular health, it’s time to rethink your candy choices.
Eat an ounce of dark chocolate each day to help improve blood circulation. Combined with regular exercise, a daily intake of dark chocolate can significantly lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Improve cholesterol levels
Eating dark chocolate may be beneficial if you’re looking to bring down your bad cholesterol or triglycerides. In a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that people who consumed one ounce daily experienced reductions in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol after three months.
Increase energy levels
We all know that one of chocolate’s most appealing qualities is its ability to perk you up. But, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t give you a jolt because it contains caffeine. That’s only present in small amounts. What scientists believe causes energy boosts when you eat chocolate are chemical compounds called methylxanthines.