Lose weight, lower blood pressure, control diabetes: 8 surprising health benefits of dark chocolates

Health benefits of dark chocolates: The low glycemic index of dark chocolates makes them your best ally to regulate blood sugar levels, manage diabetes and weight issues (Image: Canva)

Your weakness for dark chocolates is good, actually, for your health and wellness. Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, it supports heart health by improving blood flow, modulating cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Flavonoids in dark chocolates also aid cognition by enhancing brain function and memory. Its low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, which helps you manage diabetes and weight issues. Studies suggest it may prevent cancer with its anti-inflammatory properties. Dark chocolate's antioxidants improve skin health by protecting against UV damage.

Health benefits of dark chocolates

Keeps heart healthy and reduces stroke risk: Researchers suggest that dark chocolate could play a role in improving heart health. "Regular consumption of chocolate, even as little as once a week, is associated with an 8 percent lower risk of blocked arteries," says dietician Priyanka Mansukhani. Also, eating dark chocolate lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. It is attributed to the flavonoids in dark chocolate, which aid in the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Improves cognition and boosts mood: Dark chocolate with high cacao percentages, as high as 70 percent, has been associated with benefits for brain function. Studies indicate that it can stimulate neural activity in pleasure and reward centres of the brain, leading to reduced stress and improved mood, says Mansukhani. Consuming around 48 gm of 70-percent cacao organic chocolate has been shown to increase neuroplasticity, which could positively affect memory, cognition, and mood.

Improves blood sugar level, reduces diabetes risk: Surprisingly, healthy amounts of dark chocolate rich in cacao could improve glucose metabolism when part of a balanced diet. This is particularly relevant to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with insulin resistance.

Keeps gut healthy, aids weight management: Dark chocolate may play a role in controlling appetite, potentially aiding in weight loss. It acts as a prebiotic during digestion, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which supports a healthy metabolism.

Prevents cancer: Antioxidants in dark chocolates protect cells from damage caused by free radicals linked to ageing and disease. While evidence on its cancer-preventing properties is growing, more research is needed. Chocolate, rich in flavonoids, is believed to help prevent cell damage, a precursor to many cancers.

Keeps skin healthy: Dark chocolate is packed with vitamins and minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese, all beneficial to skin health. Manganese supports collagen production, aiding in keeping skin looking young and healthy.

Modulates cholesterol: Dark chocolate is often considered a cholesterol-lowering food. It has been associated with lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and potentially raising "good" cholesterol (HDL). This effect is attributed to cocoa butter, which contains oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

High in nutrition: Dark chocolate, especially varieties with higher cacao content, contains antioxidants, fibre, potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium. Checking ingredient lists for natural ingredients is recommended for a healthier choice.