10 surprising health benefits of eating dark chocolates

Now, this will be a dream come true! How about popping a few blocks of dark chocolate to treat yourself with some good nutrients? Read on to know 10 ways in which the dark chocolate benefits your health.

Nothing can replicate the happiness one experiences by consuming a rich and creamy piece of dark chocolate! The feel good factor associated with its consumption is just too strong to tempt us in to eating it anytime (and if possible all the time). Dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa content offers many health benefits, read on to know more about them.

Nutritionally rich. Dark chocolates are loaded with exclusive nutrients such as soluble fiber, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. These chocolates with higher amount of cocoa are also rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Relaxes blood vessels. Antioxidants present in dark chocolate stimulates the arteries to relax and improves the flow of blood and many nutrients to the organs.

Controls high blood pressure. The same set of antioxidants present in dark chocolate helps to lower the blood pressure and eliminate the risk associated with it.

Reduces the risk of heart problems. Dark chocolate lowers the incidence of arteries getting clogged by the cholesterol and thus lowers the risk of getting heart disease. A study revealed that consuming the dark chocolate 2 times or more each week significantly lowers the risk of calcification of plaque in the arteries.

Increases good cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate has compounds that are protective against oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol in the blood, which protects against the oxidative damage of tissues.

Assists in weight loss. Dark chocolate has been found to be quite filling than the lighter colored chocolate variations and reduces the craving for sweet, fatty, and salty foods.

Lowers the risk of getting diabetes. Dark chocolate has been studied to significantly reduce insulin resistance as it contains the antioxidant, flavonoids that create nitric oxide gas which controls insulin sensitivity.

Helps the brain. Cocoa improves brain functioning, verbal fluency in a short term and since dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa, its use will certainly benefit people of all age groups.

Protects against sun damage. Flavonols present in dark chocolate protects against sun damage, improves hydration of the skin, and heals the sun burn quickly.

Reduces stress. There are studies which show that consuming dark chocolate decreases the number of stress hormones in the body.