Dark chocolate can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Dark chocolate is also referred to as "semisweet" or "bittersweet" chocolate and consists of greater than, or equal to, 60 percent cocoa, with limited or no added sugar. You can find dark chocolate in baking chocolate, chocolate bars, and commercially prepared cookies and sweets. The University of Michigan Health System states that eating up to 7 oz. of dark chocolate per week, or 1 oz. per day, can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Contains Flavonoids
Dark chocolate consists of procyandins and epicatechins, two types of flavonoids. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, flavonoids belong to a group of antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants act to protect your body from foreign agents that can cause cellular damage, infection and illness.The University of Michigan Health System recommends that you choose chocolate with the darkest hue. This is because flavonoids contribute to the pigment of the chocolate, therefore the darker the chocolate, the richer the content of flavonoids.
Beneficial Effect on Cholesterol
Dark chocolate may be beneficial for your cholesterol levels because it primarily contains oleic acid and stearic acid. According to UMHS, stearic acid, a type of saturated fat, does not raise your cholesterol levels like other types of saturated fats do. In addition, oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat and also does not increase your blood cholesterol. UMHS advises that you choose dark chocolate that contains no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils because these are associated with unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Improves Mood and Cognition
Dark chocolate may play a role in boosting your mood state, according to UMHS. This is because it can raise serotonin and endorphin, two chemicals that play a role in mood regulation, in your brain. In addition, regular consumption of dark chocolate has been linked to improved cognitive functioning in the elderly.
Responsible Consumption
Dark chocolate can offer you a variety of health benefits. However, MayoClinic.com advises that you should consume chocolate in moderation and stick to the suggested servings per day or week. This is because chocolate can be high in calories and fat and an excess can increase your risk for weight gain, heart disease and diabetes.
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