Chocolate may taste sinfully sweet, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in this dessert food. Eating dark chocolate can actually be very good for you – it has surprising health benefits, including everything from cancer prevention to better eyesight.
Most of these benefits come exclusively from cocoa, meaning the darker the chocolate, the healthier it will be. Eating a few cubes of dark chocolate a day can be good, and not just because chocolate tastes so good. The healthy compounds in dark chocolate can improve many aspects of your mental and physical health. So if you can't resist the temptation of dark chocolate, here are 20 health reasons why.
Chocolate boosts mood
It's not just because it tastes good that eating chocolate makes you happy. Studies show that eating dark chocolate actually works chemically to improve your mood. Dark chocolate contains compounds that boost endorphins, the same substances released after exercise or laughter. If you need a pick-me-up, you can always do one of those things – or enjoy a block of dark chocolate.
Chocolate can help prevent cancer Just like wine, fruit and coffee, dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. These molecules fight against free radicals, reducing the risk of cancer. Of course, chocolate isn't the only thing that can reduce your risk. But it's definitely a nicer way. Just make sure to eat dark chocolate that makes you crave:the higher the percentage of cocoa, the better the cancer-fighting benefit.
Chocolate may lower the risk of diabetes
Cholade can actually help prevent diabetes, unlike some sugary options that can increase your risk. According to one study, people who ate dark chocolate at least once a week had a lower prevalence of diabetes and a significantly lower risk four to five years later.
Chocolate gives you natural energy Chocolate is one of many foods that you may not realize contain caffeine. For this reason, enjoying it before bed is probably not a good idea; but you can easily drag a piece of chocolate through your afternoon dip.
Chocolate can improve your eyesight
You can eat carrots or any other vegetable to preserve your eyesight. But chocolate could also work! According to some studies, the antioxidants in rich dark chocolate can literally improve your vision.
Chocolate can help you fight depression It won't replace your antidepressants, but it may be a good idea to eat some dark chocolate (or another food that fights depression and anxiety). Dark chocolate can help your body produce more serotonin. Serotonin can make you happier – people who suffer from depression often don't produce enough of it.
Chocolate is good for your heart Antioxidants in dark chocolate can prevent hardening of the arteries, reducing your risk of heart disease. Show yourself a little love and buy yourself a treat – your heart will thank you!
Chocolate can lower your cholesterol Dark chocolate is one of the few "rich" foods that are good for your cholesterol levels. Chocolate contains cocoa butter, which provides the body with healthy amounts of saturated fat. The compounds work to lower the bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol in your body, improving your overall count over time.
Chocolate is good for your brain Eating more chocolate is a smart idea, in part because it can actually make you smarter. The flavonoids in cocoa may help prevent cognitive decline, according to some studies. Dark chocolate also has healthy fats, which are thought to help improve brain function.
Chocolate contains protein and fiber
Both protein and fiber make you feel full and satisfied. Luckily for chocolate lovers, dark chocolate has a good amount of both. That's part of the reason why eating dark chocolate will be more satisfying than eating anything else sweet. Enjoy dark chocolate whenever you want a sweet yet satisfying snack.
Chocolate is a superfood 'Superfood' may sound like a buzzword, but superfoods are so called because they are filled with so many nutrients. Dark chocolate is no exception – a block of dark chocolate contains fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and more. It's also packed with antioxidants.
Chocolate tastes very good
And that's a completely valid health reason why you should eat it. Seriously – food that tastes good is actually better for you. The more you enjoy a dish, the more nutrients you can absorb when you digest it. So go ahead and enjoy every bite!
Chocolate is good for your gut health
What do dark chocolate and Greek yogurt have in common? Both have gut-healthy probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut; Adding more of it can regulate digestion and increase nutrient absorption. Chocolate also has prebiotics – which feed the good bacteria you already have.
Chocolate is like a natural sunblock
According to some studies, cocoa contains compounds that help protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. Don't skip the sunblock, but do bring some dark chocolate to the beach. Make sure you eat it before it melts!
Chocolate prevents cavities
Chocolate with a lot of added sugar will not have the same effect. But the low-sugar, high-cocoa varieties can actually protect your teeth from decay. Cocoa beans contain antibacterial compounds that prevent plaque buildup and the formation of biofilms, where cavities-causing bacteria can thrive.
Chocolate is good for your skin
It's not really the chocolate that causes pimples. It's probably the sugar. Cocoa, one of the main ingredients in dark chocolate and cocoa butter cosmetic products, can increase circulation to your skin, thereby boosting natural hydration. One study showed that eating cocoa for 12 weeks reduced moisture loss in the skin by 25 percent.
Chocolate can help lower your blood pressure
In a randomized control trial, regular cocoa consumption resulted in reduced blood pressure over time. Unlike some delicious foods that raise your blood pressure, dark chocolate can help calm things down.
Chocolate may lower the risk of stroke
Okay, what can't chocolate do? This superfood may also help reduce the risk of stroke according to several studies. The researchers' results suggest that you need to eat about six or fewer servings per week to receive these benefits.
Chocolate can take away stress
Eating chocolate when you are stressed is actually quite logical. Eating chocolate reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases serotonin, the happy hormone. Chocolate therapy, anyone?
Chocolate can boost your workouts Dark chocolate can give you pre-workout energy, mid-workout motivation and post-workout recovery. It contains caffeine for a pre-workout boost, a boost of endorphins to keep you going, and antioxidants to aid in muscle recovery. So you may want to replace your protein bar with some dark chocolate and fruit — and avoid eating these other foods before your workout, if you can.
