Truth Behind the Nutrition in Dark Chocolate

Did you know that dark chocolate may boost your workout and brain performance? Chocolate lovers truly dip into this bitter indulgence. The fact, it has high levels of antioxidants and nutrients, is heralded as the perfect thing to incorporate into your healthy diet. 

The right percentage of Dark Chocolate to Consume

There are plenty of benefits of flavonoids that exist in dark chocolate. Research has proven it to be anti-inflammatory, brain function aiding, and anticancer, and it has qualities that are cardio-protective and neuroprotective. All these benefits can be achieved if a person consumes it in moderation. Dark chocolate is not just delicious but also good for health, contrary to popular belief. 

Side Effects of Dark Chocolate

Like all foods, just like they have health benefits, they have side effects too. Now the takeback here is that dark chocolate has caffeine present in it. Due to this factor, it can cause palpitations as the cocoa present in dark chocolate can increase the pulse rate and blood pressure if it is consumed in a large quantity. If a woman is breastfeeding, they have to be careful of their dark chocolate consumption as the caffeine in it can transfer from the mother to the baby. Resulting in insomnia, rashes, and restlessness.  

Number Of Calories

There are 505 calories in 100 grams of dark chocolate. If you were to consume 155 calories then that equalizes to 20 mins of cycling. The hack to a healthy diet is to integrate a little bit of everything in moderation.

How it Helps the Heart

Several heart patients avoid consuming foods like chocolate but the truth is, in moderation, it can be good for you. Keeping in mind that dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids, it is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. These flavanols assist in the development of nitric oxide, which calms blood vessels and improves blood flow.  As I mentioned before, it is an antioxidant that fights disease, lowers blood pressure, and brings down the risk of heart disease. 

Nutrition in Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate serves as a rich source of various minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, flavonols, copper, and phosphorus. With these essential elements, it becomes a heart-protective option. Flavanols, in particular, enhance insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of diabetes. Moreover, cocoa flavanols contribute to improved blood flow to the brain by increasing nitric oxide levels, causing blood vessels to relax and dilate.

Skin Benefits

Lastly, I would like to mention the benefits it has on the skin and hair. Firstly, the antioxidants present in it, slow down the process of aging by reducing pigmentation. Secondly, it helps heal the skin and prevents sun damage. Besides all these benefits the magnesium in it helps the body fight off stress. The flavonoids in dark chocolate have hydrating effects. Their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation that eventually protects the skin from psoriasis and eczema. All in all, it keeps you active and youthful.