Dark chocolate has many pluses. While you don't want to eat an excessive amount of chocolate each day, you shouldn't be afraid of indulging in just 1 or 2 oz. daily. Although chocolate contains fat, it's a type of fat that doesn't affect your cholesterol levels, so you don't need to worry about putting your heart at risk.
Rich in Flavonoids
Dark chocolate is a rich source of flavonoids -- powerful antioxidants that can keep your cells young and healthy. The flavonoids are actually present in the cocoa used to make chocolate. Dark chocolate is less processed than other types of chocolate, so it hasn't been stripped of its natural nutrients, including antioxidants. Antioxidants might help prevent a number of problems, including inflammation, allergies, the spread of viruses and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
Elevates Mood
Dark chocolate can slow down the release of stress hormones. According to a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Proteome Research," dark chocolate might promote feelings of relaxation and may work as an antidepressant, elevating mood and easing anxiety. In fact, people who eat 1.4 oz. or 40 g of dark chocolate a day for 14 days have a lower level of stress hormones in the body than those who don't eat chocolate.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
According to a 2003 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," dark chocolate may actually help lower your blood pressure. The study focused on people over 55 years of age, but researchers believe the benefits might extend to the younger crowd as well. After 10 days of eating 100 g of dark chocolate per day, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements of the participants were significantly lower. While the details of how and why this worked are unclear, scientists believe the lower blood pressure is the result of dark chocolate's high content of plant polyphenols.
References
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Chocolate and Blood Pressure in Elderly Individuals With Isolated Systolic Hypertension
- Journal of Proteome Research: Metabolic Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Energy, Gut Microbiota, and Stress-Related Metabolism in Free-Living Subjects
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled
- The Linus Pauling Institute: Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids
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