Dark chocolate is a semisweet chocolate that is not liked by a lot of people but loved by a lot. It contains less sugar content compared to milk and white chocolate. It has a unique taste of sweetness, bitterness, and a little sourness that attracts people to taste it once and it can contain up to 99% cocoa. Dark chocolate without added sweetener is known as bitter chocolate. It can be used on its own just by munching a slice or in recipes. People may think it’s a chocolate and it does harm but it is a fact chocolate is rich in minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron which are healthier and more potent nutrients. Therefore, it provides several benefits to your health by preventing you from certain illnesses. Do you know what the health benefits of chocolate are? Let’s discuss the numerous advantages it holds.
What are the benefits of dark chocolate?
Use of dark chocolate for cancer– Dark chocolate contains antioxidants flavonoids and cocoa-deprived pentameric procyanidin. It acts against the free radicals which causes oxidative cell damage and leads to cancer. However, cancer is a major health hazard that needs proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment under a doctor’s observation. Do not self-medicate.
Use of dark chocolate for oral health– Chocolate entails a theobromine component which might be good for hardening the tooth enamel. It may help you maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental cavities. Theobromine may also reduce the functioning of the vagus nerve which minimizes the production of cough.
Use of dark chocolate for inflammation– In several studies and research, it has been found that minerals in chocolate iron, magnesium, and zinc help in reducing the inflammatory properties in the body.
Use of dark chocolate for cholesterol– It has compounds like polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins. Research found that these compounds lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol when combined with other foods like almonds and cocoa.
Use of dark chocolate for skin health- This chocolate is rich in minerals and skin-nourishing properties which help heal and nourish your skin faster, reduce wrinkles, and fine lines, and promote cell growth.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Antioxidants– Studies show that chocolate contains a higher amount of antioxidants polyphenols and flavanols. These plant-based antioxidants provide you with significant protection against severe cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, infections, asthma, etc. Research also says they combat environmental harm such as UV and pollution damage. Antioxidants are either way beneficial for your body for eye health, skin health, mental health improvements, and certain cancers.
Improved blood flow and circulation– Certain compounds in dark chocolate keep the artery walls widening and change the blood flow. One or two ounces of chocolate a day is beneficial for blood circulation in the body.
Insulin resistance– Sweet tooth people love when they can eat chocolate and not worry about an increase in blood glucose. A plant-based compound present in chocolate can improve your blood glucose levels and increase insulin resistance. It could load off your risk of diabetes.
Helps Improve Blood Pressure– Many studies show flavonoid compounds in cocoa and chocolate can help lower your high blood pressure. It is a great way to incorporate chocolate into your routine to manage your blood pressure.
How Can Dark Chocolate Help Cure ED?
Boosts Mood and Alleviates Stress– Dark chocolate boosts mood and alleviates stress as it releases a chemical called endorphins. This makes your stress go away and has the potential to make your mood better.
Improved testosterone levels– There is a benefit of dark chocolate for men. Chocolate and cocoa products contain antioxidants that increase blood flow in the body leading to improved testosterone circulation. It is rich in magnesium and flavonoids which may boost testosterone production.
Endorphin Release– Dark chocolate can boost your mood sexually by increasing blood flow to your heart and brain. It contains phenylethylamine (PEA) which is a compound that is responsive to the release of endorphins, a feel-good chemical in your brain, which alleviates your mood and helps you bond with people.
May Enhance Physical Performance– Dark chocolate can enhance your physical performance not in one but several ways. As there is increased blood flow, it can lead to better sexual arousals and orgasms, antioxidants can stimulate sex drive, chocolate hits the dopamine chemical that affects the pleasurable centers of your brain, and dark chocolate acts as a natural Viagra 100 by producing nitric oxide in your body. This can help you last longer in bed.
Should You Eat Dark Chocolate Before Sex?
As I mentioned countless health benefits of dark chocolate, there is one more benefit that some of you may find strange but here it is a fact. Chocolate is beneficial for sexual intercourse. Yes! It increases the blood flow in the body, to your pelvic region as well. It also increases the response of dopamine receptors which chemically affects the pleasure centers of the brain. Dark chocolate is considered to be an excellent single food item to make your mood erotic and stimulate your sex drive. A few blocks of chocolate every day is a good idea to pump up the passion.
How Much Dark Chocolate Should You Eat to Get Results?
Dark chocolate companies do not showcase the flavonoid content the chocolate contains. Hence, it is difficult to figure out in what quantity you should eat dark chocolate to maximize its health benefits.
However, in most of the studies, it is generally consumed 20-30 grams of chocolate per day. Dark chocolate with a higher content of cocoa solids contains less sugar and higher percentages of flavonoids. It is best to choose a dark chocolate that is made of at least 70% or more cocoa solids.
Summary
Dark chocolate is a chocolate that contains 50% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. The more the cocoa content the lesser the sugar content which is beneficial to add it to your diet. However, higher cocoa content means it is higher in fat, therefore taking it in a moderate amount is advised. Chocolate is packed with nutrients and minerals that are essential for your health and body. Chocolate holds all kinds of benefits for your health like heart health, skin health, reduced inflammation, better cognitive function, anti-cancer agent, oral health, cholesterol, and insulin resistance, and boosts sexual performance and overall quality of life. To alleviate your mood erotically and stimulate your sex drive, eating 1-2 ounces of chocolate is preferable before sexual activity.