7 Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Health, Suitable for Healthy Snacks
Jakarta –
Eat chocolate not only can make you happy, but also good for the body. Here are 7 benefits of dark chocolate for health, one of which is to prevent heart disease!
Chocolate has ingredients that can generate serotonin compounds that create feelings of happiness. Many people consume chocolate as a way of dealing with stress.
Chocolate also contains nutrients that have positive effects on health, especially dark chocolate which is still pure without a mixture of sweeteners or other additives.
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cocoa tree, which is one of the best sources of antioxidants on earth. In fact, a study shows that dark chocolate can improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Here are 7 other benefits of dark chocolate as summarized via Healthline (25/6):
1. Very Nutritious
Dark chocolate or chocolate black which contains a lot of cocoa is the most nutritious type. Dark chocolate also contains soluble fiber and many minerals.
In 100 grams of dark chocolate with a 70-85% cocoa presentation, there are 11 grams of fiber, 67% iron, 58% magnesium, 89% copper, 98% manganese and many minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. But the amount of 100 grams is an amount that should not be consumed all at once in a day because it contains high calories, which is 600 calories.
2. Source of Antioxidants
Dark Chocolate Photo: Istock |
In a test for the antioxidant content of food, cocoa had very surprising results. Raw or unprocessed cocoa has a higher value than other foods for its antioxidant function.
Dark chocolate or dark chocolate contains many organic components that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. Even in other studies, cocoa or dark chocolate has more active antioxidant activity such as polyphenols and flavonoids than fruits such as blueberries and acai berries.
Also read: Start the morning with a warm, beneficial cup of chocolate
3. Improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure
The flavonoids in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium or artery lining to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has a function to send signals to the arteries to relax and have an impact on smoother blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Many studies have shown that consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate can increase blood flow and lower blood pressure, although the results tend to be low. Although the effect is small, it is statistically significant.
Watch Video “Again having a cold? Expand to eat Dark Chocolate“
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