Why we are here to know health Benefits of dark chocolate because There was a time when there were only a few varieties of chocolate, but today, many types of chocolate are available on the market. ‘Dark Chocolate’ is one of them. Well, everyone likes dark chocolate. But, even those who do not eat it will try it once they know its properties. Through this article, we will not only tell you the benefits of dark chocolate, but after learning about the benefits, people should not start consuming it excessively. Hence, information about the disadvantages of overeating dark chocolate has also been included in the article.
There was a time when there were only a few varieties of chocolate, but today, many types of chocolate are available on the market. ‘Dark Chocolate’ is one of them. Well, everyone likes dark chocolate. But, even those who do not eat it will try it once they know its properties. Through this article, we will not only tell you the benefits of dark chocolate, but after learning about the benefits, people should not start consuming it excessively. Hence, information about the disadvantages of overeating dark chocolate has also been included in the article.
First of all, the article lets us know what dark chocolate is.
What is dark chocolate?
‘Dark Chocolate’ needs no introduction, but for those who are unaware and have a question, what is dark chocolate? Let us tell them that ‘dark chocolate’ is made from cocoa beans. Dark chocolate contains 50 to 90 per cent more cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar than milk chocolate. Nutrients like iron, copper, flavonols, zinc, and phosphorus are found in them, which are beneficial for health. Now, we will learn further in the article about how dark chocolate can be used to get the health benefits of dark chocolate.
Now let us know what the benefits of eating dark chocolate could be.
Health Benefits of eating dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has many benefits, but we are telling you about some of them below. Readers should note that dark chocolate does not cure any physical problems covered in the article. It can only be helpful to some extent in preventing these problems and reducing their symptoms.
Maintain heart health
Cardiometabolic risk factors include high blood pressure, platelet formation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. At the same time, consuming dark chocolate in a balanced quantity can benefit the heart. According to research on the NCBI website (National Center for Biotechnology Information), dark chocolate contains flavonols like epicatechin, catechins, and procyanidins. These have antihypertensive, antiplatelet, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
These effects found in chocolate combined can help reduce the problems of high blood pressure, platelet formation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. On this basis, dark chocolate can help maintain heart health.
Provides relief from depression
Talking about depression, nowadays, almost everyone goes through this kind of problem at some point or another. In this problem, symptoms like mood swings, sadness, anger, and irritability are seen. In such a situation, dark chocolate can be helpful to avoid this problem or to fix the mood. A study has revealed that consuming dark chocolate for three days has improved the symptoms of depression in some people. At the same time, another study published on the NCBI website found that dark chocolate has also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. On this basis, dark chocolate can be considered helpful for the problem of depression.
Benefits of dark chocolate for cholesterol
The benefits of dark chocolate can also be seen in controlling increased cholesterol. This is clear from two different studies published on the NCBI website. Research shows that using dark chocolate containing plant sterols, cocoa flavanols, and a low-fat diet can reduce cholesterol. It can also improve heart health and blood pressure. On this basis, dark chocolate can help lower cholesterol.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are crucial to protect the body from diseases and keep it healthy. Antioxidants can work to protect cells from damage. Antioxidant properties are found in most fruits and vegetables. Along with this, antioxidant properties are also present in dark chocolate. Cocoa has been placed in foods with high amounts of antioxidants. Another study revealed that phenolic compounds are abundant in dark chocolate, exhibiting powerful antioxidant effects. Therefore, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate can be used to keep yourself healthy.
Protects from colds and coughs
With the changing weather, mild diseases keep occurring. Cold and cough are also two of them. In such a situation, dark chocolate can be consumed to prevent colds and coughs. Dark chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. This substance can work effectively on respiratory problems. These problems also include colds and coughs.
Provides energy
Dark chocolate can also help boost energy. This is clear from research related to dark chocolate. Research mentions that dark chocolate contains polyphenols, which exhibit properties like antioxidant (destroying free radicals), anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) and anti-obesity (reducing obesity). All these properties combined can help provide instant energy by increasing food consumption.
Dark chocolate for the nervous system
Dark chocolate can be beneficial for health as well as the nervous system. Some studies have revealed that dark chocolate made from cocoa beans contains flavonoids called catechin and epicatechin derivatives. The antioxidant properties of these flavonoids can help prevent damage and inflammation related to the central nervous system. Also, cocoa exhibits neuroprotective (protecting the nervous system) effects by increasing blood flow. Also, this dark chocolate can help improve mental functioning.
Dark chocolate for blood pressure
Talking about the benefits of dark chocolate, it can also be helpful in the problem of high BP. Research published on the NCBI website has revealed that dark chocolate has an antihypertensive effect, so consuming it in limited quantities can reduce blood pressure. In such a situation, dark chocolate can also be included in the diet for high BP.
Dark chocolate for cancer
There is no doubt that cancer is a severe disease. In such a situation, if we talk about chocolate, dark chocolate may help prevent cancer, but it may not cure cancer. A study on rats published on the NCBI website highlights a possible link between dark chocolate consumption and the prevention of stomach cancer. At the same time, including dark chocolate in the diet can also reduce inflammation and the growth of cancer cells. Also, consuming low amounts of flavonoids from dark chocolate and other sources can help prevent stomach cancer. However, more research is needed in this regard.
At the same time, dark chocolate cocoa also contains high amounts of catechins and procyanidins, which can reduce these cancer risks by providing beneficial effects against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In such a situation, dark chocolate can be consumed in balanced quantities to reduce cancer risk. Along with this, readers should note that dark chocolate is not a cure for cancer. If someone is suffering from this disease, then it is necessary to get medical treatment.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Talking about dark chocolate’s anti-inflammatory properties, consuming flavanol-rich cocoa can reduce inflammation.
Here is the nutrient content per 100 g in table format
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Water | 1.37 g |
| Energy | 598 kcal |
| Protein | 7.79 g |
| Total Lipid (Fat) | 42.63 g |
| Ash | 2.32 g |
| Carbohydrate | 45.9 g |
| Fiber | 10.9 g |
| Sugar | 23.99 g |
| Calcium | 73 mg |
| Iron | 11.9 mg |
| Magnesium | 228 mg |
| Phosphorus | 308 mg |
| Potassium | 715 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Zinc | 3.31 mg |
| Copper | 1.766 mg |
| Manganese | 1.948 mg |
| Selenium | 6.8 mcg |
| Thiamine | 0.034 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.078 mg |
| Niacin | 1.054 mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.418 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.038 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.28 mcg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2 mcg |
| Carotene, beta | 19 mcg |
| Carotene, alpha | 7 mcg |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1 mcg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 39 IU |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.59 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 7.3 mcg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 24.489 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 12.781 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.257 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.03 g |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg |
| Caffeine | 80 mg |
| Theobromine | 802 mg |
Disadvantages of eating dark chocolate
Eating dark chocolate has both advantages and disadvantages, so after learning about the benefits, people should start consuming it. Here, we also give information about the disadvantages of eating dark chocolate. The amount of caffeine in dark chocolate is high. In such a situation, excessive consumption can cause the problems mentioned below.
Insomnia
Headache or migraine
Dizziness
Dehydration
Anxiety
Feeling uncomfortable
Weight gain
Rapid heart rate
Talking about the disadvantages of eating dark chocolate, it contains an element called theobromine, whose excessive consumption can also cause headaches and nausea.
Along with this, excessive consumption of dark chocolate can cause pimples.
Excessive consumption of chocolate can also cause heartburn.
Weight gain is also one of the disadvantages of overeating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains high amounts of calories. Therefore, excessive consumption can also lead to the risk of weight gain.
Readers must have learned how dark chocolate can benefit health through this article. If you still need to include dark chocolate in your routine, there is still time. The benefits of eating dark chocolate can be availed of by including it in daily life. At the same time, keep in mind the quantity of its consumption. Consuming it in excess can also lead to the disadvantages of eating dark chocolate. Therefore, readers should consume dark chocolate in limited quantities. At the same time, if anyone feels discomfort while consuming it, immediately stop and seek medical advice.
