None of us can resist sweets. The problem comes when we can’t stop eating them. When it turns into an addiction. Since sweets are not the healthiest food, we try to find alternatives.
One of those alternatives is certainly dark chocolate. It has been recommended for decades as a healthy candy that we can consume. Nutritionists often talk about its benefits.
And if you haven’t started eating dark chocolate yet, here are a few benefits that will make you start.
1. It is rich in antioxidants
Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect our cells from damage. This is one of the reasons why dark chocolate is seen as being so healthy – antioxidants can help protect our bodies from diseases like cancer.
Antioxidants in this treat can help improve blood flow to your skin and protect it from sun damage. A small study found that eating flavanol-rich dark chocolate can help protect your skin against UV damage. So go ahead and indulge – your skin will thank you!
2. It can improve cardiovascular health
One of the benefits of consuming dark chocolate is that it can improve cardiovascular health.
It helps reduce bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Many types of this delicious treat are rich in flavonoids, especially a subtype known as flavanols. Flavanols have been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease in several studies. Additionally, some research suggests that eating chocolate or drinking cocoa regularly is associated with lower blood pressure and insulin resistance in adults.
While all of it contains some flavonoids, dark chocolate has a higher concentration than other types, making it a more effective option for those looking to control their blood sugar levels
3. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Dark chocolate also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of problems, including heart disease and arthritis. Also, the antioxidants in dark chocolate can help to reduce inflammation, protecting these conditions.
4. It can improve brain function and mood
The flavonoids in dark chocolate can also help to improve brain function. They have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. They can also help to protect the brain from age-related decline.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional sweets, dark chocolate is a great option. It’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can offer many health benefits. So next time you’re craving something sweet, reach for a bar of dark chocolate instead!
5. It is a natural aphrodisiac
There is some evidence to suggest that the flavonoids in dark chocolate can help to increase libido and sexual arousal. This is because they can improve blood flow to the genitals, which can help to increase pleasure during sex. So, if you’re looking for a little extra bedroom excitement, grab for a bar of dark chocolate!
6. It can be vegan
While most chocolate bars contain a bit of milk (well, actually a lot more than a bit), some dark choco bars are vegan. So, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, be sure to check the label or consult with Cruelty Free reviews to find out some tips and tricks on how to identify a vegan tasty treat.
7. It is nutrient dense
Dark chocolate is nutrient-dense because it contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These minerals are important for maintaining a healthy diet. For example, magnesium helps keep the heart functioning properly, potassium regulates blood pressure, and zinc is necessary for a strong immune system.
8. Helps to lose weight
Many types of research and studies have shown that it also helps in losing weight. Although it seems like an impossible mission because we associate sweets with extra pounds, actually when it comes to this candy the rules are different.
Any nutritionist or professional trainer will advise you that every time you want to eat something sweet, it should be dark chocolate because it will satisfy your needs and your stomach.
Of course, as in everything, you shouldn’t overdo it either. They advise eating only a couple of cubes a day, no more than that.
9. It is not good for your Dog
While you might want to treat your little friend to something sweet, please make sure that’s not a bar of Nestle. Dogs cannot eat it because it contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs.
The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. So please keep your bittersweet treats to yourself and throw your little friend a bone!
10. It has been around for centuries
The first recorded use of chocolate dates back to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilizations, who used it as a currency and believed it to have mystical powers.
In more recent history, chocolate was introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Now, there’s a lot of debate about whether this is true or not, but most folks agree that it was Columbo that brought the cacao beans back with him in 1502.
At first, this bittersweet goodness was a luxury reserved for the elite, but by the 19th century, it had become more widely available.
11. It was once used as a currency
Believe it or not, back in the day, Mayans used this sweet treat as currency. In fact, according to some new research, it is believed that this was one of the reasons why the Mayan civilization failed, but that’s up for debate.
Also, the word “chocolate” comes from the Aztec word “xocolatl,” which means “bitter water”, which has nothing to do with Mayans, but we just wanted to double down on how big this cacao goodness was with the ancient cultures of South America.
12. The first bar was made in England
Finally, you’ll be probably surprised to know that even though Switzerland is the first place that comes to mind when we think about this delicious goodness, the first chocolate bar was actually created in England.
In 1847, Joseph Fry & Son created the first bar from a paste that they had developed. This was a big moment in history and it changed the way we enjoy this sweet treat forever!
Conclusion
There you have it. Who would’ve thought that there was so much to learn about this delicious snack? We hope you enjoyed reading and we hope you didn’t leave brown marks all over your phone while eating a bar!