Although it goes against much of what the Diet Dictocrats have been yelling at us for years, the health benefits of chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, are pretty sweet {pun intended}. Sadly, this delicious protagonist of many celebratory occasions, break ups, pick-me-ups, Valentine’s Days, and many others has lost some of its superpowers in the evolution of the devil incarnate, processed food. However, at its purest form, dark chocolate can actually provide a wide variety of benefits to your overall health. With V-Day looming, I figured there was no time like the present to pay this glorious “health food” some serious homage. Check it:
1. Rich in minerals and vitamins
Dark chocolate is rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, and copper which may help protect the body against anemia, stroke, and heart disease.
2. Helps to keep blood sugar in check
As counterintuitive as it sounds, the presence of flavonoids is essential in preventing insulin resistance which helps keep blood sugar stable. Because dark chocolate has a low glycemic index, it does not cause sugar levels in the blood to rise excessively.
3. Boosts your smile
The theobromine found in dark chocolate can help your tooth enamel become harder and stronger. This same component can be helpful as a cough suppressant. Although I’ve never personally tested the latter, the next time I’ve got a cough that won’t quit, it will be a fantastic excuse to down a square or two of organic fair trade dark chocolate. I mean, wouldn’t you?
4. Heart healthy
Dark chocolate naturally boosts blood flow, which in turn can help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. It can also prevent the incidence of arteriosclerosis {when eaten in moderation, of course}.
5. High in antioxidants
Perhaps one of the best attributes to dark chocolate is that it is loaded with free-radical busting antioxidants which translates into a whole gamut of health benefits. Free radicals are those pesky little buggers that age and disease us. From protecting against cancer to delaying {or better, erasing} the signs of aging, the benefits of antioxidants well-documented.
6. Mood-boosting
Aside from improving blood circulation and helping to prevent strokes, the pheylethylamine in dark chocolate elicits positive feelings and a sense of well-being by causing the release of endorphins. So that rush of happiness you feel when savoring that Godiva bar is a legit physiological response.
7. Skin glowing
Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does NOT make you break out. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The minerals, vitamins, and flavonols in dark chocolate can help to restore your healthiest skin. These components help add protection against UV rays as well as prevent fine lines caused by aging. But wait, it gets even better! The nutrients that boost your skin health can also give the locks on your head some serious shine and vitality.
Now before you go on a chocolate-eating binge, I’ve got two disclaimers for you:
1. Enjoy this superfood in moderation. Too much of a good thing can and will make you fat.
2. If you’re not into making your own {it’s super easy – check out this recipe from Be Food Savvy}, select good quality, dark chocolate {not milk chocolate – that stuff is loaded with sugar}. Many commercial {even organic} dark chocolate contains soy lecithin, a nasty emulsifier in just about every single processed food. You know how I feel about soy, right? No? Read this. Opt for a variety that does not contain soy lecithin like this one, this one, or this one.
Now that we’ve gotten THAT out of the way, let’s head to the kitchen where I present to you some mouth-watering recipes featuring this nectar of the gods from yours truly and some of my favorite healthy living bloggers. One word: Yum.
Banana Brownie Cupcakes from Popular Paleo
Chocolate and Strawberries from DJ Foodie
Chocolate Espresso Cake {Grain-Free} from And Here We Are…
Chocolate Love Cordial from Savory Lotus
Chocolate Molten Lava Cake from Living Low Carb One Day at a Time
Coconut Oil Fudge from The Sweet Plantain
Dairy-Free Chocolate Coco-nutty Fudge from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
Dark Chocolate Superfood Mousse from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
Flourless Chocolate Rose Mini-Cakes from Savory Lotus
Grain-Free Chocolate Cupcakes from Honest Body
Grain-Free Chocolate Truffle Cake from Small Footprint Family
Gluten, Grain, & Dairy-Free Fudgy Bean Brownies from MIX | wellness solutions for a balanced life
Homemade Chocolate from Be Food Savvy
Paleo “Death By Chocolate” Mousse from The Darling Bakers
Perfect Chocolate Sauce from Savory Lotus
Raspberry Chocolates from The Paleo Mama
Raw Chocolate Cranberry Truffles from The Sprouting Seed
Red Velvet Cake from Life By Jeannie
Strawberry Ice Cream Chocolate Roll from Primally Inspired
Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is just writing this.
The health benefits of dark chocolate are a-plenty when eaten in moderation, sourced from a reputable chocolatier, or made from scratch. Oh happy day!
Favorite way to enjoy chocolate? By the square, in a recipe, from the spoon, or through a straw{kidding}? Please leave a comment below with a link to your favorite recipe. I’d love to hear!
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My husband loves eating things that have sugar and chocolate! I always worry that it won’t be good for him. After reading this, it sounds like as long as eats dark chocolate in moderation that it could actually be good for him. I like how you point out that the pheylethylamine in dark chocolate helps elicit a positive feeling and sense of well-being by causing the release of endorphins. I think pointing out these things to my husband will help him see that he can still enjoy sweets without compromising his health!
Great Article. Here i would like to add some point.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Actually, all the health benefits of dark chocolate are too numerous to list in this article. But as we look at those listed below, it may not be far-fetched to imagine a doctor prescribing, “Eat two squares of dark chocolate per day and see me in three weeks.” There are plenty of dark chocolate recipes that are both Paleo-friendly and nutritious.
Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke.
A few years ago, researchers created an elaborate study seeking to demonstrate the harmful effects of chocolate on the human body. Imagine their surprise when they discovered the opposite to be true! The magnesium and flavanols found in dark chocolate improve the cardiovascular system by keeping blood vessels open and regulating the heart rate.
Assists type 2 diabetes sufferers.
This particular benefit sounds too good to be true! But the cacao in dark chocolate enhances sensitivity to insulin and helps lower blood sugar levels. As a result, dark chocolate may lower one’s risk for type 2 diabetes. Also, with type 2 diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is what it’s all about and dark chocolate in moderation can help achieve this.
Lowers blood pressure.
Chronic high blood pressure plays havoc on the whole body and can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia. Once again, it’s the flavanols and magnesium in dark chocolate that improve vascular function and help lower blood pressure.
Dark chocolate is having many health benefits. This article highlights almost all information about health benefits of dark chocolate. Thanks for sharing it.