7 Reasons Why Dark Chocolate Is Good For Health

Illustration of reasons why dark chocolate is good and beneficial for health (Unsplash/Pavel Subbotin)

YOGYAKARTA – You can eat dark chocolate without feeling guilty. As long as it is consumed in small amounts, these foods can be beneficial for health. But you need to identify, the right chocolate product or preparation and not with a mixture of milk, sugar and white chocolate.

Dark chocolate is rich in phytonutrients, called flavonoids. These are plant chemical compounds that act as antioxidants and may play a role in preventing cancer.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, the cocoa plant as the main ingredient in chocolate contains the theobromine compound that can help reduce inflammation and potentially lower blood pressure. Well, what you can choose to consume on a limited basis is dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent or higher. In a day, it is safe to consume less than 1 ounce.

In detail, here are the reasons why dark chocolate is good for health.

1. Lowers the risk of clogged arteries

Heart disease and stroke are the main causes of clogged arteries. According to a 2020 study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, eating chocolate once a week is associated with an 8 percent lower risk of clogged arteries.

Another 2021 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, concluded that regularly eating about 1 ounce of chocolate was associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease.

Illustration of the reasons dark chocolate is good and beneficial for health (Unsplash/Pavel Subbotin)

2. Improve memory and mood

Dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa can be beneficial for the brain. Research shows these benefits, that chocolate can stimulate neural activity in areas of the brain associated with pleasure. In turn, it can reduce stress and improve mood, says Joy DuBost, Ph.D., RD., a nutrition and dietitian, reported by Everyday Health.

3. Helps the body process glucose more effectively

Eating chocolate every day, may not sound good for diabetics. But research shows that dark chocolate, which is low in glucose, helps the body metabolize glucose better. Especially when consumed in a healthy diet menu plan. Scientists found that the flavonoids in chocolate can reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of insulin resistance.

4. Dark chocolate helps the digestive process

Neuroscientist Will Clower, Ph.D., wrote the book Eat Chocolate, Lose Weight. According to him, eating a little dark chocolate before or after a meal can trigger hormones that signal to the brain that you are full. That means that chocolate can help reduce cravings.

Research has also found that during digestion, chocolate behaves like a prebiotic. A type of fiber that encourages the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. The more adequate the number of 'good' microbes in the digestive system, the better the body absorbs nutrients and metabolism.

5. Keep skin healthy

The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate can protect the skin from UV rays. That way, the skin does not lose its elasticity and looks younger. In addition, dark chocolate is rich in manganese which supports collagen production.

6. Increase good cholesterol

Dark chocolate is also referred to as a cholesterol-lowering food. A study answered that statement in 2017 and was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. In a handful of almonds, unsweetened dark chocolate, can significantly lower LDL (low density lipoprotein).

7. Fight free radicals

The properties of dark chocolate that can protect the body from certain types of cancer are investigated in scientific studies. Again, the antioxidant content protects cells from damage caused by free radical attacks.

According to doctors DuBost, when there are too many free radicals in the body, cells will be attacked, the effect is low levels of inflammation and some diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. According to the American Cancer Society, eating foods rich in flavonoids, such as chocolate, can prevent cell damage that triggers cancer.

That's the reason why dark chocolate is beneficial for health. But it is necessary to pay attention to the portion and composition of the chocolate that is eaten. Do not get too much and consume healthy dark chocolate, or it is recommended that it is made from 70 percent cocoa.