Chocolate is GOOD for you (but…)
I really like chocolate!
How about you?
The good news is that chocolate is good for us!
Really? Yes, but… (there’s always a but, isn’t there?)
It is DARK chocolate that is good for us–in small quantities. (About one ounce a day–one of those small squares daily).
How is chocolate beneficial for us?
Good for our heart!
Dark Chocolate stimulates the endothelium, the lining of the arteries, to produce Nitric Oxide which relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Improved blood flow also reduces the risks of blood clots and stroke.
Dark chocolate can also positively impact our cholesterol levels by improving HDL (good) cholesterol while reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. Oxidized LDL means that bad cholesterol has reacted with free radicals, making the LDL particles capable of damaging other body tissues, such as the lining of our arteries. Powerful antioxidants in chocolate go into the bloodstream to protect lipoproteins from being damaged by oxidation. The result is less cholesterol deposited in our arteries.
Good for our brain!
Dark chocolate helps keep our brain sharp and improves cognitive function. Improved blood flow not only facilitates better heart health, but contributes to a healthier brain. Cacao, in dark chocolate, contains theobromine, which promotes mental clarity and alertness.
Good for our skin!
Antioxidants in dark chocolate help protect our skin from ultra violet radiation, thus assisting in preventing sun damage. Better blood flow benefits our skin and improves skin density and hydration.
Other benefits of dark chocolate include cancer prevention (because of antioxidant properties), reduced insulin resistance, and improved mood. Dark chocolate and cocoa are loaded with antioxidants–polyphenols, flavenols, and catechins. Dark chocolate is a good source of fiber, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc, and Selenium.
So…what kind of chocolate is good for us?
We should select dark chocolate that has a 75% or higher percentage of cacao or 100% cocoa powder. Be sure to read the label and choose products that are lower in sugar. Milk chocolate or any chocolate that has higher sugar content is not a healthy option. Even with dark chocolate, moderation is still important. One ounce of dark chocolate is a healthy addition to our daily diet.
It isn’t often that we are encouraged to eat something as tasty as chocolate as part of a healthy diet. Just remember, moderation is the key. And, in this case, a small piece of dark chocolate on a daily basis is our goal.
Resources:
http://blog.doctoroz.com/sharecare/sharecare-top-5-healthy-reasons-to-eat-dark-chocolate
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-dark-chocolate/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20030827/dark-chocolate-is-healthy-chocolate#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#section1