6 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against cardiovascular disease. But of course, this doesn’t mean people should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat on. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them. Be sure to choose quality stuff… organic, dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.

1. Nutritional
If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

2. A Powerful Source of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins, among others.

3. Improves Blood Flow and Lowers Blood Pressure
The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium (the lining of arteries) to produce Nitric Oxide (NO) gas. One of the functions of this gas is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.

4. Decreases Oxidized LDL and Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors of heart disease.
In a controlled trial, cocoa powder was found to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL. This should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries and we should see a lower risk of heart disease over the long term.

5. Protects Your Skin Against The Sun
The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration.

6. Improves Brain Function
The good news isn’t over yet, because dark chocolate may also improve the function of the brain. One study of healthy volunteers showed that 5 days of consuming high-flavanol cocoa improved blood flow to the brain.