What is dark chocolate good for?

The cdark chocolate It can have several positive health effects when consumed in moderation. The benefits include an improved mood, but also more direct effects on physical condition: blood pressure stabilizes and the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced. Two fundamental conditions must be considered. First, according to experts, to achieve its benefits, the dark chocolate you consume must have a cocoa content of at least 70 percent. Second, chocolate should still be consumed in moderation: the recommendation is not to exceed 20-30 grams per day.

Index of topics

Nutritional values

For each 100 grams of dark chocolate, there are:

0,5 grams of water
6,6 grams protein
6 grams of lipids
300 milligrams of potassium
186 milligrams of phosphorus
51 milligrams of calcium
11 milligrams of sodium
5 milligrams of iron

Le properties and benefits of chocolate Dark chocolate has been recognized for a long time. But the interesting thing is that it encompasses several aspects of our physical and mental health.

More good mood and less stress

Chocolate is a powerful natural antidepressant, thanks to the fact that it releases endorphins, capable of counteracting the trough and improve mood. At the same time, dark chocolate contains serotonin, which stimulates muscles and reduces stress.

It's good for the heart

The effect on the heart is indirect, but significant. Dark chocolate, in fact, allows you to naturally lower the cholesterol “bad” and to reduce the blood pressureThanks to the antioxidants it contains, capable of protecting us from cardiovascular diseases.

The effect on the brain

even the brain It works best due to the flavonoids found in dark chocolate. They improve cognitive processes and, consequently, strengthen memory.

A study One of the most recent studies on the heart health benefits of chocolate, conducted by a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, showed that chocolate, consumed at least once a week, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by approximately 8 percent. This is thanks to the positive effects on the heart and arteries of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, and an alkaloid, theobromine.

According to the study:

cocoa flavonoids help dilate blood vessels;
can improve blood pressure;
reduce inflammation;
improve the function of the endothelium, the internal wall of the vessels;
can increase “good” HDL cholesterol.

However, the researchers also specified that:

not all chocolate has the same effects;
dark chocolate rich in cocoa, over 70 percent, is considered the most beneficial;
It should be consumed in moderation because it contains calories, sugars and fats.

Dark chocolate for the diet

Among the good reasons for eating dark chocolate is that of diet. In fact it can help to lose weight.

Pure cocoa contains phytochemicals that reduce cravings and appetite in general. This is why dark chocolate is often recommended as a meal replacement in diets.

In particular, dark chocolate, especially the one with a high cocoa percentage, between 70 and 85 percent, is rich in:

fibers
cocoa fats
intense flavor

This can increase feelings of satiety and reduce cravings for sweets or sugary snacks.

Plus, eating a small piece of dark chocolate can satisfy a sweet tooth in smaller quantities than milk chocolate or processed desserts.

Dark chocolate for the skin

It took several scientific studies to prove the idea that dark chocolate can contribute to the development ofacne.

Pimples are a skin condition caused by several factors: genetic, hormonal, and environmental. The foods that contribute to them are those with a high glycemic index, which does not include dark chocolate.

In particular, dark chocolate, rich in cocoa, contains flavonoids, that:

they fight oxidative stress, i.e. free radicals;
help protect skin cells from premature aging;
can improve skin microcirculation.

Some studies suggest that cocoa flavonoids:

slightly increase the skin's resistance to UV rays;
improve skin hydration and elasticity.