4 Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate itself contains many health benefits and some people even compare it to a superfood…but can you stuff your face, completely guilt-free?

1. Good for your heart

Studies have proven that eating small amounts of dark chocolate can actually lower blood pressure. This is due to the fact that it contains nitric oxide, which sends signals to the arteries to relax. Also, in the long-term, it may mean that less cholesterol will lodge in the arteries, preventing serious conditions such as heart disease and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

2. Good for the brain Dark chocolate has been shown to have great positive effects on your mood and mental wellbeing. Dark chocolate contains the same hormone your brain responds to when you're in love, which could be why we feel ‘super’ when we eat it.

3.Controls blood sugar Eating small amounts of dark chocolate can maintain the health of your blood vessels and may even prevent conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Cocoa, particularly the flavonoids in dark chocolate could help cells function normally.

4.reduce stress

So, when you hear people say they whip out a box of chocolates after work to help them relax, it is actually scientifically proven to help. When stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol within your bloodstream. Despite this hormone being a normal human reaction, a prolonged period of it can have negative effects on stress levels and anxiety.