7 Proven Health Benefits Of Chocolate

1.Very Nutritious – Quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals.

2.Powerful Source of Antioxidants – Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.

3.May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure – The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

4.Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation – Dark chocolate improves several important risk factors for disease. It lowers the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative damage while increasing HDL and improving insulin sensitivity.

5.May Reduce Heart Disease Risk – Observational studies show a drastic reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume the most chocolate.

6.May Protect Your Skin From the Sun – The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration.

7.Could Improve Brain Function – Cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term.