Are you obsessed with eating chocolates, but at the same time want to stay healthy? Is eating chocolate daily making you more conscious because of its high calories? Well in that case, dark chocolate can be a fit replacement.
Dark chocolate is one such food item that is healthy and at the same time is nourishing for the body. It is available in many flavours and varieties which has increased its demand over the years. The number of benefits that dark chocolate provides has proven that it is one of the safest and most preferred chocolate that is consumed.
Eating good and delicious food is something that everyone enjoys. And so is the case with respect to sweets. But often, we tend to go overboard with sweets, especially chocolates and a variety on display. However, it is pertinent to understand that though one may have an immense liking for certain food items that may be unhealthy and junk, one needs to control its consumption. It needs to be consumed in specific quantities. As much as one would want to savour and enjoy eating desserts, there are other nutritious alternatives too that are healthy and will at the same time ensure that it doesn’t cause weight gain or any other kind of health issue. People who have a sweet tooth will definitely not be disappointed after getting to know the product that can turn out to be their saviour. Well, this product is dark chocolate which not many people are aware of especially when spoken of from a health point of view.
Some health benefits of consuming dark chocolate are as follows:
1. High in nutritional value
If good quality dark chocolate is bought, then it is considered nutritious. It comprises a sufficient quantity of soluble fibre and is loaded with minerals. Additionally, it also has zinc, potassium, phosphorous and selenium in abundance. A neutral effect of stearic acid is evident on body cholesterol. It also contains sugar in balance and hence one should consume it in moderation.
2. Prevents heart diseases.
According to research, it is the flavonoids in dark chocolate that are known to protect the health of the heart. The flavonoids help produce nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. Chocolate helps in decreasing the risk of heart diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
3. Helps in weight loss
Consuming dark chocolate in moderate quantities can aid in the process of weight loss. The monounsaturated fatty acids enhance metabolism and swiftly burn calories. Also, dark chocolate restrains cravings if it is eaten prior 20 minutes before a meal.
4. Improves mood
Dark chocolate is usually associated with sentiments of pleasure, delight and fun. The polyphenolic compounds present in dark chocolate give rise to such sentiments. Polyphenols are antioxidants that reduce cortisol which is a stress hormone. Thus, it can be considered a mood–maker.
5. Protects the skin from sun damage
Well, dark chocolate is mostly seen to have a positive effect on one’s health internally but did you know that it also has external effects? Dark chocolate comprises with heaps of nutrients and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, zinc and vitamin A, B1, C, D and E. Along with these, the antioxidants provide a protective shield to the skin which safeguards it from UV rays, relieves blemishes and increases the production of collagen etc. Another advantage is that it consists of anti-inflammatory properties that can cure irritated skin.
Here is a list of recommended dark chocolates that one can try out and even for those who are new to it:
This is an ideal product as it contains many natural ingredients and is safe to consume.
80% Dark Chocolate – Plain Couverture
- No preservatives
- Dairy free
- Gluten free
- Pure couverture (higher quantity of cocoa butter present)
- All natural ingredients used.
- 100% plant-based.
- 60% Dark Chocolate – Nut & Raisin
- Gluten-free
- No artificial additives
- No preservatives100% plant-
- basedAll natural ingredients
This chocolate is flavoured with nuts and raisins which adds more flavour to the dark chocolate. Dark chocolates are available in different flavours such as Banana Walnut, Rasberry Cinnamon etc.
Featured image : https://www.thespruceeats.com/dark-chocolate-520354.
