While large amounts of chocolate can be detrimental to your weight, small amounts of dark chocolate can be helpful. Since it is derived from plants, chocolate in its most natural form is rich in antioxidants. While milk chocolate and white chocolate are processed and may be harmful to your health, dark chocolate may provide many health benefits.
Insulin Stabilization
According to a study published in the March 2005 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," dark chocolate improves your body's insulin sensitivity. The researchers found that dark chocolate's antioxidant properties enhance the bioavailability of nitric oxide. This helps promote insulin uptake of glucose.
Antioxidant Protection
Dark chocolate provides antioxidant protection. The natural ingredients found in chocolate are known as flavonoids and flavanols. These prevent free-radical damage in your cells, which thereby prevents cancer. The Cleveland Clinic states that these antioxidants decrease clumping of blood platelets. The clumping can cause clots, which may initiate a stroke or a heart attack.
Appetite Suppressant
Dark chocolate consumption helps suppress appetite. University of Copenhagen researchers ascertained that people who consume dark chocolate felt fuller for a longer time period than those who consumed milk chocolate. Healthy chocolate can regulate your appetite, and the cocoa butter content may slow the digestive process.
Lower Cholesterol
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the monounsaturated fats in chocolate help neutralize and lower your cholesterol. Stearic acid does not negatively or positively affect cholesterol levels. However, oleic acid, which is the same fat found in olive oil, helps lower your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
References
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Short-term Administration of Dark Chocolate is Followed by a Significant Increase in Insulin Sensitivity and a Decrease in Blood Pressure in Healthy Persons; Davide Grassi, et al.; March 2005
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled
- Science Daily; Dark Chocolate Is More Filling Than Milk Chocolate And Lessens Cravings; Dec. 23, 2008
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