Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively effect your health.Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE
POTENTIAL CANCER PREVENTION
It may be hard to believe, but that tasty dark chocolate you eat and love may also help you ward off cancer. That’s right — one of the benefits of dark chocolate is its potential as a cancer-fighting food.
HIGH IN ANTI-OXIDANTS
A mentioned above, dark chocolate hosts a range of potent antioxidants. These antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage; keeping it soft, supple and juvenile for long.
PROTECTS SKIN FROM UV DAMAGE
With great sun protection properties, it shields your skin against detrimental UV rays and thus helps in preventing conditions like sunburns and skin cancer.
HELPS PREVENT ASTHMA ATTACKS
If you or someone you know suffers from asthma, chocolate might just help. Dark chocolate contains three natural components: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, all of which work together to halt bronchospasms and open constricted bronchial passages. These ingredients also enable dark chocolate to work as a cough-suppressant.
BOOSTS YOUR INTELLIGENCE
Dark chocolate has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, decrease inflammation and provide important minerals that help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By the way, don’t worry about the fats in dark chocolate – mostly mono-unsaturated and saturated. But stick to the dark chocolate and consume it in moderation.
HELPS YOU RELAX
Chocolate contains the compound anandamide that activates the same brain receptors marijuana does. Another reason why reaching out for that bar of chocolate is a good stress busting option.
ASSISTS TYPE 2 DIABETES SUFFERERS
This particular benefit sounds too good to be true! But the cacao in dark chocolate enhances sensitivity to insulin and helps lower blood sugar levels. As a result, dark chocolate may lower one’s risk for type 2 diabetes. Also, with type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is what it’s all about and dark chocolate in moderation can help achieve this.