Naturally, chocolate is very bitter and contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which offer protection against free radicals. However, when most chocolate candy is processed sugars and fats are added to sweeten the flavor. These added ingredients decrease the concentration of healthy antioxidants, but candy made up of 75 percent dark chocolate is more likely to be rich in healthy benefits. Adding small amounts of this dark chocolate to your diet can lead to appetite control, reduced stress, heart health and liver protection.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Adding dark chocolate can help reduce the high blood pressure that develops in the liver if you have cirrhosis. According to a Spanish study published in 2010 in the "Journal of Hepatology," the antioxidants in dark chocolate reduce the damage that can occurs to blood vessels, which can further threaten the health of people with cirrhosis. The dark chocolate can help prevent the blood vessels in the liver from rupturing.
Reductions in Stress
Eating dark chocolate as a regular part of your diet may help reduce your overall stress level. According to a study published in October 2009 in the "Journal of Proteome Research," people who ate 20 g of dark chocolate as a morning snack and afternoon snack showed lower levels of stress after a two-week period. The researchers report that the chemicals in dark chocolate, such as antioxidants, play a role in reducing stress levels.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Adding a small amount of chocolate to your diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your cholesterol levels. Flavanols are the antioxidants found in chocolate. These antioxidants can help improve blood flow, lower your "bad," or LDL, cholesterol and keep your blood pressure low. While all chocolate contain flavanols, dark chocolate contains the highest and healthiest amount. The heart healthy benefits of dark chocolate only occur if your intake of chocolate does not lead to unwanted weight gain or high saturated fat intake, which can end up contributing to heart disease. Eating a small square of a plain dark chocolate bar each day is enough to reap the heart healthy benefits.
Control Your Appetite
Dark chocolate can help you control your appetite and eat less throughout your day. According to the findings of a 2008 study by University of Copenhagen scientists, men who ate 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate ate less overall than those who did not eat any chocolate. Researchers speculate that the dark chocolate can help you feel satisfied, which helps you eat less.
References
- University of Copenhagen: The dark chocolate version of Father Christmas is most filling
- Science Daily: Potential Benefits of Dark Chocolate For Liver Disease Patients
- "Journal of Proteome Research"; Metabolic Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Energy, Gut Microbiota, and Stress-Related Metabolism in Free-Living Subjects; Francois-Pierre J. Martin, et al.
- BBC News: Chocolate Can Cut Blood Pressure and Help Heart
- The Cleveland Clinic: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled
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