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Why Dark Chocolate Is A Healthier Choice For Chocolate Lovers?
Dark chocolates are a great comfort food that has been used for so long across cultures. Just a bite into a chocolate bar will flood your sensations with a great feeling. Many have used it to get through tough times and for relaxing or as a treat. You can, however, make this treat more than an occasional treat and make it a part of your diet to get all its health benefits.
Decades of research shows that chocolate has immense health benefits though it has to be dark. Anything less than 72% cocoa solids will overload you with sugar and turn it into an unhealthy snack. The purer the chocolate the healthier it is.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Boosting energy
To get an energy boost without drinking those unhealthy energy drinks, you can take dark chocolates. It contains just enough amounts of caffeine to get you up bright in the morning and boost your energy in the afternoon. It has been shown to enhance energy metabolism hence the increased energy levels.
- Stress reduction
dark chocolate is excellent at reducing stress levels to make us feel better in tough situations. It reduces cortisol levels hence reduced stress. This gives the user the strength to go through difficult situations.
- Improved cardiovascular health
Taking healthy chocolates regularly helps the heart function optimally. It reduces the risks of heart diseases since it lowers the blood pressure, a major cause of heart and vascular conditions. Those who eat chocolates frequently have a lower risk of stroke. It contains polyphenols which control the levels of blood cholesterol and increase antioxidant levels making the cells more resistant to oxidative damage.
- Prevents weight gain
Those who regularly eat chocolate have a lower BMI compared to those who do not. This may be due to the higher concentration of saturated fats and low calories in darker chocolates.
- Slows aging
Healthy dark chocolates contain lots of antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage. This plays a major role in slowing down the aging process. Those who regularly eat chocolates tend to remain healthy and young longer. It protects the brain from aging and cognitive dysfunction even at an advanced age. Its effects on improving insulin sensitivity is key to keeping diabetes at bay.
- Boosts moods
It is no surprise that chocolates boost moods. It is delicious in the mouth and has healthy mood-boosting ingredients to brighten your day no matter the situation.
Precautions
Too much of anything is bad for you, this includes dark chocolates. They have side effects if you take too much of it or if you have sensitivity to its constituent compounds, these include:
- Acne
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Decrease in bone density
- Allergic skin reactions
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
Dark chocolates are good for your health as long as it is taken in moderation and in the right option. It has many benefits and improves many chronic health conditions. It is an antioxidant powerhouse due to the flavanols and polyphenols. It has been shown to fight diseases, boost heart and brain health and make the user feel good.
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