12 benefits of chocolate for health

Not only is chocolate a gift of love for young people wanting to express their feelings on Valentine’s Day, but it is also a food that offers numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the benefits of chocolate together!

Many studies have found that chocolate is very beneficial for cardiovascular health, circulation, and brain function, while also helping to prevent serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease…

Nutritional Content in Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is very good for cardiovascular health.

A 100 g bar of dark chocolate with about 70-85% cocoa contains:

• 11 g of fiber.
• 67% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iron.
• 58% of the RDA of magnesium.
• 89% of the RDA of copper.
• 98% of the RDA of manganese.
• High levels of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.

Chocolate is Good for Circulation

According to the Telegraph, recent research shows that dark chocolate helps restore blood circulation in arteries while preventing white blood cells from adhering to blood vessel walls, two common causes of coronary artery blockages.

Reduces Stroke Risk

Researchers in Finland conducted a study on a group of people and found that chocolate consumption reduced the risk of stroke by 17%. Additionally, those who had previously suffered a stroke and regularly consumed chocolate had a 46% lower mortality rate.

Reduces Cholesterol

Many studies have demonstrated that chocolate consumption helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), thereby preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) concluded that chocolate consumption could reduce the risk of developing heart disease by up to 35%.

As an indispensable gift on Valentine’s Day, chocolate has many health benefits that many people are unaware of.

Beneficial for Skin

Flavonols in dark chocolate can protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin elasticity.

Weight Loss

According to neuroscientist Will Clower (USA), a small piece of chocolate melting on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal can create hormones in the brain that make you feel full, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed afterward. Additionally, it also curbs cravings for sugary, fatty, or salty snacks.

Chocolate is Good for Pregnant Women and Babies

A study from Finland indicated that pregnant women who regularly eat chocolate experience less stress, and their children are born happier and smile more than those of mothers who do not consume chocolate.

Prevents Diabetes

Some studies have shown that cocoa can improve insulin sensitivity. Therefore, moderate chocolate consumption may help delay or prevent the development of diabetes.

Flavanols found in dark chocolate are nutrients that can reduce memory loss in the elderly.

Improves Memory with Chocolate

Flavanol is a nutrient that can reduce memory loss in the elderly, and the anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for treating brain injuries. Both are found in dark chocolate. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that drinking two cups of hot chocolate daily can help stabilize blood flow in the brain and prevent memory decline in the elderly.

Boosts Mood

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a chemical that the brain produces when you feel happy, such as when you are in love. PEA encourages the brain to release endorphins that bring feelings of joy and happiness.

Dark Chocolate Improves Sports Performance

You may be skeptical as not many athletes are concerned about chocolate during competitions. However, a study published in the Journal of the Society of Sports Nutrition demonstrated that consuming dark chocolate daily can improve performance and endurance during sports training.

Chocolate Enhances Cognitive Function

A study published in the journal Appetite indicated that eating chocolate at least once a week can improve cognitive function, memory, and learning. Students under stress during exam periods can benefit from daily cocoa consumption for better performance.

Unexpected Benefits of Eating Chocolate Right After Waking Up

Recent research shows that consuming chocolate in the morning and evening can improve appetite and sleep quality. Specifically, eating chocolate within an hour of waking up in the morning helps lower blood sugar levels and burn fat. Conversely, eating chocolate right before bed can enhance metabolism during exercise and rest the following morning.

Previously, many studies have shown the health benefits that chocolate brings, including positive effects on weight. For instance, earlier this year, a study from Penn State found that adding cocoa powder to the daily diet could help reduce weight gain in mice and improve various health conditions related to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Additionally, chocolate offers some other “miraculous” benefits when consumed in moderation. These include stress reduction and cardiovascular protection. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that consuming high levels of flavonols, a type of plant compound found in cocoa, can help alleviate stress and improve cardiovascular function.

However, this is only true for drinks with high flavonol content, so when consuming an ordinary milk chocolate bar, the eater will not be able to obtain similar benefits.

• Song Ruzong: The Ritual to Exorcise for Those Who Died by Hanging with a Strange Rule
• Scientists Have Decoded the Phenomenon of “White Nights”
• Why Did Ancient Romans Go Wild for Lion Fights?