Last Updated on October 31, 2020
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If you are a chocolate lover who has cut back on your favorite treat because you’ve heard it’s bad for you, we’ve got some good news: Dark chocolate, the kind that is at least 70% cocoa, can bring a lot of benefits to your health. In reality, cocoa beans are considered a superfood, as they are packed with flavonols, providing health benefits that can extend from your brain to your heart. So, maybe you don’t need to cut back on chocolate after all – you need to switch to the right kind. And if you don’t think dark chocolate is delicious enough, maybe you will change your mind after discovering all the sweet reasons you should eat chocolate!
1. It promotes heart health
And the first on this list of health benefits of chocolate is… a healthy heart! That’s right: studies have found that consuming dark chocolate can help improve the blood flow to your heart and help break up the clumps made out of white blood cells that might block your arteries. Furthermore, because dark chocolate is rich in flavonols, it can also promote your blood vessels’ healthier functioning. A group of Harvard Medical School doctors has revealed that the consumption of 70%+ dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke while also lowering bad cholesterol.
2. Chocolate might boost your energy and your memory
Have you ever wondered how to improve your energy levels and your memory all at once? Well, dark chocolate can be the answer. This superfood is packed with anti-inflammatory properties. A single bite will relax your senses while releasing those sweet endorphins. As a result, your brain’s blood flow will increase, which will make you feel energized and more focused. Dark chocolate has the power to improve your reaction times, your attention span, and your problem-solving skills, all while boosting your memory. Plus, dark chocolate works for people of all ages, so there is no excuse not to try it.
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3. You can use it as a natural sunscreen
If you are a person who is prone to getting sunburnt, dark chocolate may become your new best friends… yes, even better than your trustworthy sunscreen. Studies developed by the National Library of Medicine have concluded that the flavonols present in dark chocolate can protect your skin against the dangerous UV rays. This does not mean you should skip on the sunscreen but getting some protection from the inside out can help prevent any further health problems connected to sun damage.
