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Dark Chocolate, The New Super Food?
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Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, thanks to its high content of cocoa beans, is packed with the good stuff, including flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are the most common ingredient and one you’ve probably already heard of. In fact, the antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to control inflammation and protect your nerve function, as well as increase brain function. Pretty amazing!
Like anything else in life, the key to getting the most out of dark chocolate is using or consuming it in moderation. Dark chocolate is packed with powerful ingredients, but they won’t do you any good if your gorge yourself completely. Be careful with portion control, and you’ll be reaping the benefits of dark chocolate.
Of course, there’s many benefits to be had, but some of the better known include:
- Stress reduction – dark chocolate does a lot for improving your mood and reducing stress, and it does this by encouraging the body to release serotonin. Serotonin is your body’s natural anti-depressant.
- Lowers blood pressure – flavonoids in dark chocolate, especially in cacao, help reduce blood pressure. In fact, studies have shown that eating a small piece of dark chocolate every day actually improves blood pressure.
- Stimulates mental function – dark chocolate has the ability to increase blood flow to the brain and give you improved mental function. It also helps increase your focus level and improve memory function.
- Balances weight loss – dark chocolate can help with weight loss — yes, you read that right! This is because the fiber found in dark chocolate helps you feel full longer and may curb cravings for other snacks.
- Improves your complexion – antioxidants found in dark chocolate can help you regain that youthful glow and help keep your skin healthy. This is because dark chocolate targets free radicals, which are the root cause of wrinkles and “aged” skin.
- Regulates blood sugar – if you’re struggling with diabetes and trying to maintain your blood sugar, give dark chocolate a try. Some studies even suggest that a small, daily service of dark chocolate will help prevent diabetes.
Dark chocolate is also rich in unsaturated fats, which can impact your heart health and cholesterol levels in a good way. One of the fats found in dark chocolate comes from cocoa butter. Cocoa butter has been proven in medical trials to lower cholesterol when consumed in small quantities.
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