While chocolates aren't usually seen as the healthiest food ever, dark chocolate can actually be pretty good for your body.
Specialists claim that it contains lots of minerals and vitamins that can improve your physical and mental health.
Let's find out more.
Nutrient Content
Dark chocolate with a relatively high cocoa content (70% or even more) is a good source of minerals that are good for your body.
Antioxidant-Rich
Dark chocolate has lots of antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from harmful free radicals.
Cardiovascular Health
The flavonoids in dark chocolate can improve your blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of blood clots appearing in your veins, thus promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Mood Enhancement
It stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-lifters, and also contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine, which can provide a mild stimulant effect.
Cognitive Function
Preliminary research suggests that the flavonoids in dark chocolate can cause improved blood flow to the brain and enhanced memory and attention.
Appetite Control
The combination of fiber, healthy fats, and the intense flavor of dark chocolate can satisfy cravings and reduce the likelihood of overindulging in less healthy treats.
Stress Reduction
Dark chocolate contains compounds that have been shown to have a very positive impact on stress levels.