Whether you’re having a stressful week or you’re feeling low due to a bad exam, chocolate can always cheer you up! Everyone loves chocolate and why shouldn’t they? It’s a sweet treat that’s also healthy; a rare combination, isn’t it?
The health benefits of dark chocolate have increased its demand over the years as more health-conscious people turn to it to satisfy their chocolate cravings and to improve their health. The global dark chocolate market is expected to expand and reach $51.7 billion in 2019.
Let’s look at some of the health benefits of dark chocolate:
The antioxidant properties of dark chocolate come from its compounds like flavanols and polyphenols. Antioxidants protect you from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with a number of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and some eye diseases.
The flavanol in dark chocolate supports the production of nitric oxide that helps blood vessels relax and improves blood flow, hence lowering blood pressure. Flavanol can also increase insulin sensitivity, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
Cocoa in dark chocolate contains theobromine and oleic acid that are good for your cholesterol profile. They help reduce the level of your low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and raise your high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol.
Dark chocolate helps improve your memory and focus and reduces the chances of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine — National Institute of Health, dark chocolate improves cognitive function and verbal fluency and is good for treating vascular impairment such as strokes and dementia.
Excessive inflammation in your body can damage your tissues and cells and increase the risks of conditions like arthritis, cancer, and type-2 diabetes. Eating dark chocolate helps lower the level of protein associated with inflammation in your body and protects you from these illnesses.
Yes, that’s right! Dark chocolate can help you see better. A randomized clinical trial of 30 adults showed that consumption of dark chocolate enhances contrast sensitivity and visual acuity because cocoa improves the supply of nutrients and oxygen to blood vessels of your eyes and brain.
Looking for an online chocolate store? Divine Specialties offers a number of leading global chocolate brands including the best Belgian chocolate brands. We’re California’s premium wholesaler of sweet and savory food products and ingredients and specialize in prompt delivery and exceptional customer service. Browse through our collection and pick your favorite chocolate!
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