DARK CHOCOLATE HAS HEALTH BENEFITS

Chocolate lovers get ready to celebrate! I love chocolate – and if I’m being honest, I love the really good stuff. Give me some good quality chocolate and I’m in heaven! A square (or two) at the end of the day and I’m not only happy but also satisfied.

I also love the kind that is considered a true superfood like dark chocolate that is 85% cacao or even cacao nibs. If you love dark chocolate, you’re in luck! There are some great health benefits to consuming your daily dose. This isn’t a license to eat all of the chocolate you want but it’s certainly a reason to add in a few squares daily if you can keep it to a minimum.

DARK CHOCOLATE IS A SUPERFOOD

1. Antioxidant Rich – Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate) is a potent antioxidant. Chocolate that is rich in cacao such as Green & Black’s 85% Cacao, is one of the best options and is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals which are destructive molecules that may play a role in heart disease and other ailments.

   • “Two groups of antioxidants prevalent in dark chocolate are flavonoids and polyphenols. Dark chocolate’s cocoa has actually been shown to have the highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids, even greater than wine and tea. So the higher the cacao/cocoa percentage of your next dark chocolate bar, the more awesome antioxidants you’ll consume.” – Dr. Josh Axe

2. Boosts Heart Health – According to Cleveland Clinic, research has shown that flavanols (a type of flavonoid found in dark chocolate) have a very positive effect on heart health by helping lower blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart as well as the brain. Dark chocolates flavanols can also help make blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, which reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke.

3. Helps Prevent Depression – Theobromine, one of the compounds found in dark chocolate, is structurally quite similar to caffeine, its sister chemical. Theobromine, when consumed in larger amounts, can cause a dip in blood pressure, excitability and give energy.

   • Anandamide, another chemical found in dark chocolate, is structurally similar to THC, but nowhere near as effective. Despite this, anandamide can still provide a mood- and energy-boost, without the addiction and cardiovascular damage that comes with other stimulating substances.

   • One more mood-boosting chemical in chocolate is phenethylamine. Phenethylamine is metabolized in your body into serotonin. Serotonin is one of the most important mood-regulating chemicals your body can produce. If you’re deficient in serotonin, supplementing with phenethylamine—even through chocolate—can help bring you back to baseline.

4. Nutrient Value – Dark chocolate isn’t just full of antioxidants. It’s full of vitamins and minerals too! Dark chocolate contains:

   • Riboflavin

   • Niacin

   • Calcium

   • Iron

   • Magnesium

   • Phosphorous

   • Zinc

   • Copper

   • Manganese

   • Omega-6 fatty acids

   • Caffeine

   • Theobromine

5. Boosts Your Immune System – The antioxidant load alone is a huge boost for your immune system. In addition, there are other nutrients that will help strengthen your immune system. Cocoa can modulate the inflammatory response of your immune system. Inflammation is tissue’s response to pathogens, chemicals, wounding, or infections. Flavonoids are generally associated with anti-inflammatory properties, and chocolate is filled with them.

HOW TO INCORPORATE DARK CHOCOLATE INTO YOUR DAILY NUTRITION REGIMEN

If you love chocolate, you’re probably not worried how you’ll get your chocolate in daily. But even if you’re a chocolate aficionado, here are a few ways that you can incorporate this delicious treat. Enjoy!

By itself! Dark chocolate is rich and bold. Often times, all you need is just a square or two by itself to be satiated. Either Green and Blacks or Endangered Species Panther Dark Chocolate are great options.

Add it to a super shake! Load up your next protein shake with raw cacao nibs. Pair those with a little almond butter and grass-fed whey  vanilla or chocolate protein and you’ve got a delicious yet nutritious protein shake.

Top your favorite yogurt with dark chocolate. Add cacao nibs or shavings of dark chocolate to your favorite yogurt (greek or regular) for a little antioxidant boost.

Frozen dark chocolate covered fruit. Mmmm…I love chocolate covered strawberries. You could use any fruit that you love. Melt your dark chocolate (in a double boiler) and dip fruit in chocolate. Freeze and enjoy as a little snack.

I hope this post gives you a little more insight as to why dark chocolate is good for you! Enjoy it in moderation and reap the benefits it has to offer. If you have any questions about this post, please type them in the comments below. We’ll be happy to answer!

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