21 Nov

Health Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

The function of chocolate is not only to satisfy your cravings. If you consume it correctly, you can get the benefits of eating chocolate that are good for your body and health.

One of them is by consuming dark chocolate. Namely one type of chocolate product that is more optimal in providing good benefits for you. Here is a complete discussion about the benefits of chocolate for health.

Dark Chocolate Nutritional Content

Dark chocolate is considered superior to other types of chocolate, such as white or milk chocolate.

Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate with lower sugar and fat content. Its antioxidant and mineral content is also high.

The following is the nutritional content of dark chocolate per 1 ounce or about 28 grams.

Calories: 155 kcal

Carbohydrates: 17 grams

Protein: 1.4 grams

Fat: 8.9 grams

Sugar: 6.8 grams

Calcium: 16 mg

Iron: 2.3 mg

Potassium: 158.5 mg

Caffeine: 12.2 mg

Magnesium: 64.6 mg

Zinc: 0.93 mg

Benefits of Eating Chocolate for You

There are many benefits of consuming chocolate for your body and health. Starting from improving your mood to potentially helping you control your weight. Read the benefits below.

1. Improves mood

Chocolate is suitable for your mood. Research shows that chocolate with 85% cocoa content improves mood because the prebiotics in cocoa maintain the condition of gut bacteria and improve negative emotional states.

2. Reduces stress

The polyphenol content in cocoa can also reduce stress hormones in the body. After consuming dark chocolate containing polyphenols, cortisol and epinephrine hormone levels are known to be lower.

3. Prevents heart disease

Chocolate’s flavonoid content is known to be good for heart health. Dark chocolate contains three types of flavonoids: epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidin.

These flavonoid contents are said to reduce blood fat levels and blood pressure, maintain healthy blood vessels, smooth blood circulation, and keep the condition of blood cells.

4. Controls blood sugar levels

Chocolate’s benefits are also suitable for blood sugar. The flavonoid content can help increase insulin resistance, which can help control blood sugar levels. This benefit can be obtained mainly in dark chocolate without additional sweeteners.

5. Good for the digestive system

Dark chocolate also contains prebiotics. Prebiotics are used by the body to increase the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract, helping improve gut health and the digestive system.

6. Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Because dark chocolate’s flavonoid content is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, a study states that consuming 40 grams of dark chocolate with 70% real cocoa helps reduce the risk of inflammation.

In addition, chocolate’s antioxidant effect is said to help inhibit cell damage caused by free radicals.

7. Improves the immune system and has the potential to prevent cancer

Based on the discussion from the previous point, it is unsurprising that the benefits of eating dark chocolate can also improve the immune system. Research even states that its antioxidant content has the potential to prevent the risk of cancer.

8. Reduces menstruation pain

The magnesium content of chocolate is known to be high, especially in dark chocolate. This can help reduce cramps during menstruation because magnesium helps relax muscles, including the uterine muscle layer.

9. Improves thinking ability

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that can improve cognitive ability and brain activity. This means the brain’s function can work optimally, especially for thinking and analyzing.

10. Controls appetite

The polyphenols in chocolate are said to have the potential to help reduce appetite. However, the mechanism is still unclear, and further research is needed regarding the benefits of eating this type of chocolate.

The Right Way to Eat Chocolate

To get chocolate’s optimal benefits, you must consume it correctly. What is the right way to eat chocolate? Here are some tips to pay attention to.

  • Check the nutritional facts label on the chocolate packaging. Real chocolate contains cocoa with or without sugar.

  • Choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. If you want a lower sugar content, choose a higher cocoa percentage.

  • Avoid additives that are high in sugar, salt, and bad fats.

  • Consume chocolate with low sugar content.

  • Dark chocolate can be an option with higher fiber content gi.

  • Combine chocolate with whole grains or dried fruit without added sweeteners.

  • Limit chocolate consumption to about 1-2 ounces per day.

Chocolate packaging may have specific labels, such as “organic” or “sugar-free.” Regardless of whether or not these claim labels are present, be sure to check the nutritional facts label, which contains detailed information about the chocolate’s contents.

Also, remember that dark chocolate has relatively higher calorie and caffeine content, so it is essential to maintain portion size when consuming chocolate, as mentioned above.