We used to be told to reduce our intake of chocolate since it increases tooth decay and escalates blood sugar problems. But not anymore. Several studies have shown that chocolates, particularly the dark chocolates, have more health benefits than damaging effects to our body. Dark chocolate is described as cocoa with some amounts of fats and sugar, with less or zero amounts of milk. According to the European definition of chocolates, dark chocolate is at least 35 percent cocoa solids. Dark chocolate with 70 to 99 percent cocoa, are being used mainly for baking; and they are much higher in cost than the low grade variety. Semi-sweet, bitter sweet, black chocolate, or plain chocolate are some of the names of dark chocolate, and they can provide the following health benefits that you will not be guilty anymore to indulge in it.

1. It is good for your brain

   Dark chocolate has been studied thoroughly and it showed that it is actually good for the brain. In a study made in University of Nottingham, dark chocolate can help in sharpening the mind and boosting the cognitive skills for about two to three hours. The study showed that the flavonols in dark chocolate upsurge the blood flow towards specific areas in the brain which is responsible for increasing the performance in some mental tasks and boosting the general alertness even for a short period of time. In another study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers as published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism in 2010, it showed that a compound in dark chocolate called epicatechin can actually prevent further brain damage if a person experience stroke. When stroke is experienced, epicatechin seems to stimulate the protective pathways of the neurons, thereby preventing complications of the disease.

2. It is good for your heart

   The researchers from Sweden at Linkoping University was recently able to find proof that dark chocolate is good for the heart and cardiovascular system. First, dark chocolate acts like an ACE inhibitor. ACE is angiotensin converting enzyme, an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to constricts, causing increase in blood pressure. With dark chocolate, the enzyme is obstructed from converting angiotensin; therefore there is negative constriction of the blood vessels which prevents the blood pressure from increasing. This action is due to the catechins and procyaninides found in dark chocolate.

   Another recent finding is from the National Cancer Institute in Milan and the Catholic University in Campobasso. In their study, they compared the amount of dark chocolate consumption and the C-reactive protein levels in the blood. Those who are ingesting moderate amounts of dark chocolate have lower levels of C-reactive protein. This type of protein can actually increase the inflammatory incidences in the body, particularly the cardiovascular system. If there is increasing C-reactive protein in the blood, there is higher chances of getting heart problems, particularly myocardial infarction or heart attack. By eating 6.7 grams of dark chocolate per day, or just a small square 2-3 times weekly, C-reactive protein will remain normal and the inflammatory tendencies are reduced.

3. It is good for blood sugar control

   As long as the dark chocolate has at least 60 percent cocoa, then one can be assured that it is effective in controlling the blood sugar. Dark chocolate may be sweet, but it actually has low glycemic index. Having low glycemic index means that blood sugar goes into yo-yo effect; it fluctuates causing one to feel more hunger pangs and increasing desire to eat. With low glycemic index, insulin is also controlled. By controlling insulin level, there are lower tendencies in developing insulin resistance, which is actually the cause of diabetes mellitus. Studies show that it is the flavonols and some phytonutrients in dark chocolate that makes it effective in controlling blood sugar in the body.

4. It is rich in vitamins and minerals

   Vitamins and minerals are essential in the body and chocolates provides sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, which is why it is considered a healthy indulgence. Coming from cocoa beans, dark chocolate is therefore highly rich in magnesium. Magnesium is important for it prevents hypertension, heart problems, arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. PMS usually happens when the progesterone hormone level in the body drops. By taking foods rich in magnesium, such as dark chocolate, progesterone is normalized, and PMS symptoms are prevented. Dark chocolate is also rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron – important elements for daily metabolism. Vitamins are also abundant in dark chocolates. Vitamins A, B1, C, D and E can be found in this wonderful food for the gods.

5. It has high antioxidant levels

   In an article published in Chemistry Central Journal in 2011, it stated that dark chocolates, compared to fruit juices, have higher amounts of polyphenols and flavonols. The flavonoid procyanidins and epicatechins are especially abundant in dark chocolates. These phytonutrients are effective antioxidants, and they can help in reducing the damage done by the free radicals to the body, which causes increase in aging process and debilitating diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease.

6. It protects your teeth

   Take note that not all dark chocolates are created equal. What protects the teeth is not the chocolate but the components of the cocoa beans. So the more the cocoa beans in the chocolate, the more it is protective to the teeth. The lesser the cocoa beans and the more the sugar and milk is in the chocolate, the more destructive it is to the teeth. Tannin, polyphenols and flavonoids are beneficial since it stops the bacteria from sticking on the teeth, therefore preventing the cavities. They also help in neutralizing the bacteria which causes bad breath and infections of both the gum and the teeth. Moreover, these components in dark chocolate slow down any type of tooth decay. Added to this is the theobromine in dark chocolate, which can actually harden the enamel of the teeth. Choosing dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa must be considered to make the chocolate more effective in preventing tooth problems.

Sources
fitday.com
en.wikipedia.org
sciencedaily.com
recipes.howstuffworks.com
burdickchocolate.com
allchocolate.com