7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

1. Very nutritious

[{"selector":"#anim-bb00f0b8-a609-433a-8f27-3ac5a995682c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b75a3291-91e4-408c-ba2e-ec2a111bc361","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it’s quite nutritious.

2. Powerful source of antioxidants

[{"selector":"#anim-c11b4081-ad8c-49b8-9a19-fb161b79e472 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7a3014dd-12a0-46df-b6c5-9d7fa00e456b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] ORAC stands for the ability to soak up oxygen radicals. It is a way to measure how many antioxidants a food has.

3. May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure

[{"selector":"#anim-125ebbf3-d861-49a3-ba17-f15463a04fc3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-128490fd-0d71-4005-b7ad-55947458f4fb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Flavanoids in dark chocolate can cause nitric oxide to be made by the endothelium, which is the lining of the vessels.

4. Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation

[{"selector":"#anim-c8b76be1-89ad-44ee-8afe-aae1d3798f78 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-db4a95d0-bd2c-4009-9565-3a2d1072f5d6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Getting more dark chocolate in your diet can help with a number of important heart disease risk factors. It could help prevent high cholesterol.

5. May reduce heart disease risk

[{"selector":"#anim-7f1db5ef-75fc-401e-bc2e-89703dd5a4ab [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6442abb4-864b-4eef-a560-f8389650176e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The compounds in dark chocolate seem to keep LDL from getting oxidized in a big way.

6. May protect your skin from the sun

[{"selector":"#anim-8a6f5a9f-7211-49a7-8fee-27cb66b70b7f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5f2578e1-6547-4862-a50f-44db01bb85b9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin.

7. Could improve brain function

[{"selector":"#anim-ecc19320-5ba8-472f-a761-12e5424eed55 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":4000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-48d814d9-3cf8-4c37-9863-7839014b4d1b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":300,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain.

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