1.Very Nutritious
A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains (1):
- 11 grams of fiber
- 67% of the RDI for iron
- 58% of the RDI for magnesium
- 89% of the RDI for copper
- 98% of the RDI for manganese
- It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium
The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat.
2. Powerful Source of Antioxidants
ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity.” It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods.Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others.
3.Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure
Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure,
cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries.
4.Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation
Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease.cocoa lowers oxidized LDL .It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage.Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
5.Reduce Heart Disease Risk
In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.In a study it’s found that drastic reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume the most chocolate.
6.Protect Your Skin From the Sun
The bio active compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.
flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage.
7.Improve Brain Function
Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain.
Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment.Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.
It means cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease.This doesn’t mean you should consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories.
Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain.Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits.