4 Reasons Why Eating Dark Chocolate Can Be Healthy for You (and why Zero Sugar Chocolate is Even Healthier!)
We all know chocolate is delicious, but eating chocolate may actually be good for you! Let’s explore some of the potential health benefits of chocolate and how it can improve your life.
We’ll also talk about why chocolate made without sugar is even better than chocolate with sugar.
1) Chocolate contains flavonoids which can reduce the risk of cancer
The cocoa bean is rich in a class of plant nutrients called flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of plant-based compounds that have been linked to better health outcomes. They are found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, and chocolate. Some flavonoids, like those found in cocoa beans, are known as catechins. Catechins have been shown to promote heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. They may also help protect against cancer and other diseases.
For example, flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. They can be found in a variety of foods, such as fruits and vegetables. When we eat foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this “antioxidant” power.
Some interesting facts about flavonoids:
- They are antioxidants, which means they help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals
- They are found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods.
- There are many different types of flavonoids, each with its own unique set of health benefits.
- Flavonoids can help protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
2) Chocolate has a positive effect on mood and cognitive function
This is thought to be due to the flavonoids found in chocolate as well as methylxanthines including caffeine which are believed to play a role in its effects on mood . In one study, healthy subjects felt more calm and contented after consuming 100mg of polyphenols from dark chocolate. In another study, consuming cocoa with a high content of flavonols led to increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and parietal areas which are responsible for memory and attention respectively. These effects were more pronounced after regular consumption over time rather than immediately following ingestion of chocolate.
Some interesting facts about research on how chocolate can improve our mood:
- A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that consuming dark chocolate can improve mood.
- The study showed that those who consumed 40 grams of 70% cocoa dark chocolate daily for two weeks reported feeling less angry, sad, and stressed.
- Additionally, it increased blood flow to the brain in areas responsible for mood.
- It can also improve memory and reduce anxiety levels in people with mild cognitive impairment, according to a study by Northumbria University. The researchers found that eating cocoa rich chocolate daily was linked to improved visual memory after just one week of consumption among participants aged 55 years old or older with mild forgetfulness/cognitive decline.
3) Chocolate helps regulate blood pressure levels.
Dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure. A recent study shows that eating a small amount of dark chocolate each day can improve the health of your heart, arteries and brain in just two weeks by helping to regulate blood pressure levels.
It improves good cholesterol (HDL) which is important for supporting healthy cardiac function. Dark chocolate also contains flavonols that support cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function; this means it helps keep the cells lining our artery walls flexible so they expand properly when necessary. This allows more blood flow through them during stress like exercise or standing up because it keeps them from becoming blocked with plaque buildup over time , therefore reducing high blood pressure risk factors as well as protecting against hardening of the arteries .
Some interesting facts about research on how chocolate can regulate blood pressure levels:
- A study by the University of Hull found that regular consumption of dark chocolate can help reduce blood pressure in people who have hypertension. The beneficial effects were seen even in those with a high-sugar diet.
- Other studies have also shown that chocolate can help lower blood pressure. A 2006 study by the University of California, San Diego, found that eating cocoa products regularly was linked with a decrease in blood pressure levels.
- It’s thought that cocoa itself may be helpful in controlling hypertension. The polyphenol antioxidants found in cocoa are an important part of the explanation, as they help keep blood vessels open and relaxed by preventing constriction (narrowing) or hardening (tightening).
4) Eating chocolate reduces stress
Eating chocolate has been shown to reduce stress levels in several ways. First, it releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has mood-boosting effects. Chocolate also contains antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by stress hormones. All of these factors together make chocolate an excellent choice for reducing stress. So next time you’re feeling stressed out, reach for a piece of dark chocolate instead!
Some interesting facts about research on how chocolate can reduce stress:
- A study published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that consumption of dark chocolate can help reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
- Another study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that regular consumption of chocolate was associated with lower levels of psychological distress.
- And a study from England’s University of Hull showed that consuming small amounts of chocolate every day for two weeks resulted in significantly reduced anxiety scores.
FINALLY – Why Zero Sugar is Better for You!
With all these good reasons for consuming chocolate, it’s no wonder that consuming chocolate chocolate without sugar is even better for you!
Sugar is one of the main sources of empty calories in the modern diet. Sugar has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. By reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, you can improve your overall health.
Here are some of the main health benefits of reducing sugar:
- You will lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- You will have more energy.
- You will lower your risk of developing heart disease or other chronic diseases.
- You will reduce your risk of getting type II diabetes.
Chocolate is one of the main culprits in our high sugar diet because even “65% Dark” chocolate which is touted for its health benefits still consists of 30-35% sugar! There are as many calories in a gram of sugar as a gram of whole grains or wheat, but sugar has no nutritional value.
There are many ways to reduce your sugar intake, including cutting out processed foods, eating more whole foods, and avoiding sugary drinks. Try making some simple swaps in your diet, like using honey or maple syrup instead of table sugar, or choosing unsweetened yogurt over sweetened varieties.
But when you’re trying to cut down on processed foods and refined sugars, finding something that’s both nutritious and delicious can be difficult. Luckily there’s an amazing new company called The Good Chocolate who makes chocolate without sugar, which is a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate bars. The Good Chocolate is definitely worth checking out.
- The Good Chocolate is made without sugar, which makes it a healthier choice than most other chocolate bars
- It also has a rich flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth
- Unlike many other sugar-free chocolate products, The Good Chocolate does not contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors
- It also has vegan and dairy free, making it a great option for people with food allergies or restrictions
- Don’t take on too much- Overloading yourself with too many projects or tasks will lead to stress and frustration. Make sure your work load is manageable and creates a balance in your life. It’s important to understand your limits and not take on more than you can do. Be realistic about your schedule and try not to commit to long hours or weekends of work.
Small projects are just that, small. They may seem easier because they don’t require a lot of resources, however there is still plenty of room for error. Avoid letting your lack of time or resources turn into chaos by planning ahead and understanding how to complete each task efficiently.