Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Chocolates, as we all know, are food products derived from cacao plant after mixing with sugar and fat ingredients. Chocolates are classified based on the quantity of the ingredients used in a particular recipe. To impart different flavors in the chocolate, varying temperature and time are required while roasting the cacao beans. The most popularly eaten chocolate types are dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.

Dark chocolate, is made from cacao solids, fat and sugar; whereas, powdered or condensed milk is added in case of milk chocolate. White chocolate, on the other hand, is produced from sugar and fat that can be either cacao butter or vegetable oil, without using cacao solids. Among these types, dark chocolate contains more cocoa (about 65 percent) than other chocolates. Various studies are carried out to determine the health benefits of eating dark chocolate. Let's take a look about the health benefits of dark chocolate.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

To know the health benefits of dark chocolate, one needs to understand the oxidation process that takes place in the body and the role of antioxidants. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that is essential for survival of an individual. However, at times, oxidation plays a major role in damaging body cells. In oxidation reaction, free radicals are produced that can start a chain reaction, leading to damage of cells and tissues. Antioxidants are substances that slow down or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. They protect the body from aging and many other diseases and disorders.

Dark chocolate, also called plain chocolate, contains epicatechin, which is a strong antioxidant. Epicatechin is actually a flavonol that belongs to flavonoids. The major role of flavonoids is to prevent cholesterol accumulation in the blood vessels, thus reducing the chances of blood clots. Hence, consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolates enhances the blood flow, increasing the overall activity of the heart and the circulatory system.

Another health benefit of dark chocolate is that flavonoids help to relax the blood pressure by producing nitric oxide. According to a study conducted, it was shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday for two weeks lowers high blood pressure. The blood tests of the participants showed increased level of epicatechin.

According to a survey, it was found that the Kuna people of Panama, who include cocoa in their everyday diet have lower percentage of suffering from diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

Eating dark chocolate also induces the endorphin production that has analgesic properties. Dark chocolate contains serotonin (anti-depressant), theobromine and caffeine, which act as stimulants. Consuming dark chocolate with milk hampers the antioxidant absorption by the body.

Though, it is a fact that dark chocolate is good for health, eating lots of chocolates is not recommended. It is to be noted that dark chocolate, like any other chocolate is loaded with many calories. One bar of dark chocolate contains about 400 calories. The fat content in dark chocolates can elevate the cholesterol level of the body.

Including a high percentage of dark chocolate in the diet poses a risk of gaining weight. Else, one has to reduce calorie intake by cutting down other food supplements. One should not opt for dark chocolates with fillings like nougats or caramel, as these fillings reduce the cocoa content and in turn, the health benefits. Anyways, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise are the key factors to stay healthy and fit.