Chocolate- The word alone brings a smile to the face. As a kid, you were warned against having too many- then you were terrorized by cavity, today fat has taken its place. But you will be happy to know that according to research, as long as you eat it in moderation and choose dark over milk, Chocolate is actually good for you! So next time you crave something sweet after a meal don't talk yourself out eating that chocolate bar in your fridge. Don't believe us, here are some amazing benefits of dark chocolate:
Benefits of Dark Chocolate
1. Assists in Weight Reduction
This may go against everything you've been told about chocolates, but various studies prove that eating a small amount of dark chocolate before and after meals reduces the urge to overeat or snack in-between meals, as it satisfies the appetite for longer. Loaded with organic compounds, including polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, dark chocolate helps in removing harmful oxidants from the body.
2. Controls Blood Flow
Various studies show that regular consumption of chocolate increases blood flow in the body. The polyphenols in dark chocolate widen the blood vessels that increase the blood flow, which in turn causes the blood pressure to go down. Many people across India and the world suffer from Hypertension, if you too are a patient of Blood Pressure problems, introducing a small amount of dark chocolate into your diet could make your life better.
3. Reduces Diabetes Risk
Diabetics are often told to decrease their sugar intake, so encouraging the intake of chocolate for diabetes patients cant be right, Right? Wrong. It was found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate increases insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. But remember to not over-indulge! Discuss this with your doctor and start eating a little every day with his/her blessings. Read: Antioxidant Foods India.
4. Good For Skin
Chocolate just doesn't make your tongue happy, it also makes your skin happy! Flavonoids protect the skin from UV rays, hydrate the skin and help find free radicals-all of these together help give you great skin- but remember, you will avail these benefits with dark chocolates only, as milk chocolates contain a very small percentage of cocoa.
5. Good For Brain
Dark Chocolates are rich in phenylethylamine, which releases feel-good endorphins, which in turn reduce stress levels in the brain. Apart from decreasing the risk of stroke, dark chocolate improves cognitive function and is also beneficial for fetal growth. Additionally, it is believed that it also prevents memory decline. So bring out the chocolates and treat yourself today! Read: 6 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power
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