Who doesn’t want to indulge in chocolates? Consuming chocolates, dark chocolates in particular, should not be considered as luxury, extra expense, or guilty pleasure. Why? Well, it is because dark chocolates are good for our health and a number of local and international studies proved that.
In this article, we will discuss and give more attention to dark chocolates — its substances and compounds that are more beneficial to our health.
Cacao, which is the main raw and natural ingredient to produce dark chocolates, is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants, as defined by Medical News Today, are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. They are sometimes called free-radical scavengers. How cool is that?
Dark chocolates are rich in minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. What do you get from these minerals?
Let’s start with zinc. Zinc is essential for regulating the immune system. It also helps make proteins and DNA.
Now, what’s with iron? Well, iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. Iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes.
Magnesium is an important mineral, playing a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in the human body. Its many functions include helping with muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, and supporting the immune system. Magnesium is also important in protein synthesis and blood glucose control. It is also excellent at combating depression.
A study in 2015 suggests that consuming 25 grams of dark chocolate in eight weeks clearly showed the lowering of blood pressure compared to those who had the same quantity but were just white chocolate.
Meanwhile, findings of a research study conducted in 2017 showed that the beneficial effects of dark chocolates in terms of blood pressure could be more significant in adults and those with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aren’t these health benefits of dark chocolates enough reason for you to consume some, not as a guilty pressure, but as an aid to your health?