Chocolate is a favorite among people all over the world. Dark chocolate has been proven through studies that it is healthier for people than milk chocolate and white chocolate, which offer higher fat content and less health benefits to the consumer. This type of chocolate is also known as semi-sweet chocolate or bittersweet chocolate and has many benefits. One of the benefits of chocolate is that it is a good mood enhancer. Many people consume it when they are having a bad day. It contains serotonin which acts like an anit-depressant. It not only relaxes us, but also serves to make blood vessels more flexible to help the flow of blood throughout our bodies.
The most outstanding dark chocolate health benefit is that it has nutrients that have been shown to curb cancer. The antioxidants found in the cacao is an important ingredient which helps fight the free radicals that lead to illnesses and heart disease in the body. Flavonoids fight the free radicals which can come from ingested foods and even the environment. The flavonoids that help protect the immune system are called Catechins and Epicatechins. The higher the cocoa content the better it is for you. Another benefit is that in one ounce can give you a full daily supply of magnesium and iron.
Other health benefits from the antioxidants include less joint pain from the stiffness of arthritis, it is great to increase energy by the B vitamins you will get from it, too. Antioxidants found in dark chocolate have been known to help you sleep better and feel well-rested the next day. Yet another benefit is that it has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Eating dark chocolate is a benefit to diabetics who are limited on how much sugar they can take in. It contains the good cholesterol and fats which do not interfere with insulin production. It is also a low carbohydrate food, which is another plus for diabetics.
There are many health related reasons to eat this type of chocolate. Not only can it help your body be healthier and effect your mental state of mind, but it tastes great. If you are going to purchase and indulge in chocolate, dark chocolate is the best choice for most people because of all of the benefits it offers.