What are the benefits and dangers of dark chocolate?
Fast facts on chocolate
- Chocolate consumption has long been associated with conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
- Chocolate is believed to contain high levels of antioxidants.
- Some studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline.
- Chocolate contains a large number of calories.
What does eating dark chocolate do for your body?
- Its calcium contents, in addition to being good for your nails and teeth, can also prevent osteoporosis.
- Its zinc contents can prevent and control anemia.
- Dark chocolate helps keep joints and tendons healthy, thanks to its high levels of phosphorus, calcium, and natural antibiotics.
- Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids.
Is eating dark chocolate actually healthy?
Most dark chocolate is high in flavonoids, particularly a subtype called flavanols that is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure in adults.
Can eating dark chocolate help you lose weight?
Studies show that dark chocolate may reduce cravings and promote feelings of fullness, which may help support weight loss. In one study in 12 women, smelling and eating dark chocolate decreased appetite and reduced levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger ( 10 ).
How much dark chocolate should you eat a day?
approximately 1 to 2 ouncesWhat is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.
Is eating dark chocolate everyday good for you?
A bite of dark chocolate a day could not only be good for your heart, but may also improve brain function, alleviate stress, and lower the risk of diabetes.
What is the best time to eat dark chocolate?
You can enjoy dark chocolates as often as you want. However, for a person who wishes to lose weight with these chocolates, dark chocolates should be eaten on an empty stomach or 30 minutes after a solid-food meal. They can also be eaten as a snack between lunch and dinner.
Is it good to eat dark chocolate?
So is dark chocolate actually healthy? Studies show that dark chocolate — when it is not loaded with sugar and saturated fat — is indeed a heart-healthy chocolate treat and more. Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies show it can help reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.
Is dark chocolate good for skin?
The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavanols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration ( 22 ).
Which dark chocolate is the healthiest?
8 Healthy (and Delicious) Chocolate Bars That Dietitians EatGhirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight 72 Percent Cacao Chocolate Squares. ... Divine Chocolate 85 Percent Dark Chocolate Bar. ... Beyond Good Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate 70 Percent Cocoa. ... Chocolove Almonds and Sea Salt in Strong 70 Percent Dark Chocolate.More items...•
What are the disadvantages of dark chocolate?
Side Effects of Dark Chocolate Excessive consumption of dark chocolate can increase caffeine levels in blood, causing increased heart rate, nausea, dehydration and insomnia. Approximately 30-60 grams of dark chocolate per day is recommended quantity to be healthy.
Does dark chocolate help sleep?
Conclusions. In conclusion, dark chocolate helps people to sleep because of tryptophan. Tryptophan helps the body make melatonin, which is important for regulating sleep cycles. Most other nutrients found in dark chocolate do not help with sleep, and in fact, some might hinder it.
Does dark chocolate make you poop?
Does it cause diarrhoea? No, although consumed in excessive amounts, dark chocolate may speed up bowel movements because it is rich in minerals and fibre. Dark chocolate does not cause constipation; on the contrary, it can even relieve constipation.
What does dark chocolate do to a woman?
What Are the Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Women? Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood stream. The oleic acid in cocoa butter (the same mono-unsaturated fatty acid in olive oil) raises good cholesterol (HDL). Research says that dark chocolate is good for your heart.
What does chocolate do to females?
Eating chocolate leads to higher levels of desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction, according to a study from an Italian university reported in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Female participants who consumed at least one cube of chocolate a day experienced more active libidos and better overall sexual function than ...
Can dark chocolate make you fat?
Dark chocolate is high in calories and fat, which may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Some types also contain high amounts of added sugar, which can increase the calorie count and contribute to chronic disease.