Proven Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is something we all crave and love, but just like most things in life, it comes with a price. This tasty treat is highly calorific, making it something we must eat in moderation to avoid any health concerns.

If you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy a sweet snack today, you’re in the right place. Although still highly calorific, dark chocolate is considered the ‘healthier’ type of chocolate. Read on to discover a few proven health benefits of dark chocolate.  

1. It May Improve Blood Circulation

In a study reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), it has been found that the consumption of dark chocolate may improve blood circulation. This is because the cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate help to maintain endothelium-dependant vasodilation, which contributes to normal blood flow.

Although studies show that cocoa flavanols may improve blood circulation, the effects are usually mild, so don’t expect life-changing results after eating some dark chocolate. As great as that would be, the process is unfortunately a whole lot more complicated.

2. It Contains Magnesium

Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which is a mineral that your body needs for various different functions. Magnesium is most commonly known for contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and helping to maintain normal bones. It also plays an important role in metabolism, making it good for muscle function.

As you can see, magnesium is an essential mineral that your body needs. You can meet your magnesium intake through a variety of different foods including leafy greens and fruit, but when you fancy a treat, dark chocolate provides the solution.

Some people choose to take magnesium supplements alongside a balanced diet to ensure they are reaching their daily magnesium intake. In the EU, the recommended daily intake for magnesium is 375mg, but this may differ outside of the EU.

3. Many Other Nutrients!

There’s a reason as to why dark chocolate is labelled ‘healthier’, and that’s because it contains quite a few different nutrients. As well as magnesium, dark chocolate contains zinc. Zinc is required for the normal functioning of your immune system. It also supports normal skin, hair and nails, which is why it is found in many cosmetic products.

Eat Dark Chocolate!

Extensive research has shown that dark chocolate has more health benefits than alternative sweet treats. But, while it does contain some health positives, it’s important to remember that dark chocolate should be eaten in moderation. Dark chocolate sold on the market is stacked with sugar, making it just as unhealthy as other chocolate treats. It’s wise to limit yourself to a small bit of chocolate every now and then, rather than over-indulging every single day.

To end this guide, here’s a top tip for you. When shopping for dark chocolate, look out for the cocoa content. The darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. We recommend looking for anything above 70% cocoa content. Although it might be slightly more expensive, you can take comfort in knowing its chocolate of the best quality.