properties of dark chocolate for health
Dark chocolate is one of the most delicious and healthy types of chocolate. This chocolate has high amounts of plant antioxidants called flavonoids, which are very useful for health and control of cardiovascular and brain diseases. This type of chocolate contains less sugar than regular chocolate, which reduces its calories.
Health benefits of dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is one of the most delicious and popular foods in the world, which is made from the seeds of the cocoa tree. In addition to the pleasant taste, this food has many properties for health.
In recent years, numerous studies of the properties of dark chocolate for health can be said in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. In the following, we will examine these properties and beneficial effects of dark chocolate for health in more detail. What do we know about the symptoms of diabetes in children
- Source of nutrients
Dark chocolate is a good source of soluble fiber and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. For example, a 100 gram piece of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains the following nutrients:
11 grams of fiber
66% of the daily iron requirement
57% of daily magnesium requirement
196% of the daily need for copper
85% of the daily requirement of manganese.
- A powerful source of antioxidants
Dark chocolate contains biologically active organic compounds that act as antioxidants. These compounds include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body; Because these free radicals can damage cells and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
- Improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
The flavonoids in dark chocolate are able to help stimulate the endothelium (inner layer of blood vessels) to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and reduces blood flow resistance. As a result, consuming dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure.
What is a flavonoid ?
Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds with antioxidant properties. They are found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, tea and chocolate. Flavonoids help maintain health due to their ability to fight free radicals and reduce stress in the body.
- Increase good cholesterol and protect bad cholesterol
Consuming dark chocolate can help improve several important risk factors for heart disease. This includes protection against high cholesterol. Dark chocolate can help increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and protect bad cholesterol (LDL) from oxidation. Oxidation of LDL can lead to tissue damage, such as the lining of blood vessels in the heart.
- Protecting the skin from sun damage
Antioxidants in dark chocolate increase blood flow to the skin and protect it from damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. A study was conducted in 2021 on 20 healthy young women. Its results showed that the daily consumption of dark chocolate containing high flavonol (about 1.5 ounces per day) for 12 weeks leads to a significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of the skin and better protection against damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Obesity diet
The reason for this is the strong antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds or flavonoids in dark chocolate, which protect the skin against ultraviolet rays by neutralizing free radicals.
- Mood improvement
The good news is that if you feel better after eating dark chocolate, there’s a scientific reason for that. Long-term consumption of dark chocolate is associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. These feelings may be caused by compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that reduce cortisol (the stress hormone). Therefore, eating dark chocolate can have mood-enhancing benefits.
The properties of dark chocolate for weight loss
Dark chocolate can be useful for weight loss and slimming, provided that it is consumed in a balanced way. One of the main benefits of this food is its ability to reduce appetite. The compounds in dark chocolate can help control the feeling of hunger and prevent overeating. In addition, dark chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can help increase metabolism and reduce weight.
Dark chocolate can also help produce endorphins in the brain, which lead to pleasure or euphoria and reduce stress. This is important; Because chronic stress can lead to weight gain. In addition, dark chocolate is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer and thus help reduce overall calorie intake.
The flavonoids in dark chocolate may also help improve insulin sensitivity, which can be helpful in weight control and prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to consume dark chocolate in moderation and pay attention to its calorie and sugar content. Chocolates with higher cocoa content and less sugar are better choices. It is also important to know that consuming dark chocolate should be part of a balanced diet and regular physical activity to help with weight loss.
The properties of dark chocolate for women
Dark chocolate can have many benefits for women. In the following, we mention the most important of these.
- Reduce stress and improve mood
Dark chocolate contains compounds that can help reduce stress and improve mood. This can be especially helpful during menstruation or menopause when mood swings are common.
- Cardiovascular health
Dark chocolate helps improve cardiovascular health due to its flavonoids. These compounds reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Maintaining skin health
Antioxidants in dark chocolate can help protect skin from UV damage and premature aging.
- Reduce the risk of diabetes
Some studies have shown that moderate consumption of dark chocolate can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Reducing the risk of high blood pressure in pregnancy
Consuming dark chocolate during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of preeclampsia (preeclampsia), a common pregnancy complication associated with high blood pressure.