Dark Chocolate every Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Why Dark Chocolate is Good for You

Ever since chocolate was first discovered by Europeans exploring southern America, everyone who has tried it has instantly grown to enjoy it. A lot of people really enjoy the nice creamy taste of chocolate, whether that’s in a chocolate bar, a nice chocolate ice cream, old good old hot cocoa. Let’s face it, though, chocolate is most certainly not the healthiest snack out there considering the fact that modern forms of chocolate tend to be highly processed and incredibly rich in sugar. Well, what if we told you dark chocolate is actually a very healthy alternative to milk chocolate? This nice healthy treat with a rich and deep taste is sure to impress a lot of chocolate lovers!

This type of chocolate contains flavonoids and antioxidants, both of which protect the body from aging, fight free radicals, and help the body produce nitric oxide to balance certain body hormones. Flavonoids are also found in red wine and are well known for lowering cholesterol. In addition, these chemicals shield you from environmental toxins.

Appetite Suppressant Surprise

A shocking finding has been that eating dark chocolate reduces your appetite. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found in 2008 that people who at it felt satiated afterwards for a longer period of time than those that ate milk chocolate. The reason for this mechanism is thought to be that dark chocolate has higher amounts of cocoa butter which is known to slow digestion down.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Dr. David Grassi, a nutritional researcher, has found that dark chocolate improves insulin sensitivity. His 2005 study discusses how the antioxidant properties of the treat increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide and this influences insulin’s uptake of glucose. All of this results in lower blood sugar readings.
 

Circulation Circumstances

According to a 2004 study published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition, dark chocolate improves circulation. The researchers say that the flavonoids of the treat improve endothelial (blood vessel lining) function and this increases blood flow. So, when the circulation improves for a person, blood flow increases and this could lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease development.

Another study, performed at the University of California, uncovered that chocolate thins the blood and performs the same anti-clotting activity as Aspirin. U.C. researcher Dr. Carl Keen says, “our work supports that the chronic consumption of cocoa may be associated with improved cardiovascular health.” Now that’s yummy news!

Mood Enhancement Methods

Mood is enhanced by dark chocolate by two means. The first involves the chemical substance theobromine. This is an element that is like caffeine. Not only does it help you to get going, it makes you feel good, too. The other chemical substance is phenethylamine. This ingredient has mood elevating effects because it triggers the release of pleasurable endorphins and potentiates the action of dopamine. Endorphins and dopamine are chemicals that are associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. This is why some women say chocolate is better than sex.