Organic dark chocolate has many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, combating oxidative stress, increasing heart health, preventing cancer, controlling cholesterol levels, improving memory, and more.
It has antioxidant properties that help support hair health and skincare.
What is it?
The addition of fat and sugar to cocoa creates it.
It’s a type with minimal to no milk solids.
It’s also known by other names, including semisweet and bittersweet chocolate.
The two varieties are almost identical in taste and ingredient, except the sugar content is somewhat higher in one than the other.
Because of this, they may be used interchangeably in cooking and baking.
The most reliable indicator of its darkness is to select one with a 70 percent or higher cocoa content.
The antioxidant activity of it is well recognized.
It has been observed to have a greater antioxidant capacity than many high-antioxidant berries, such as blueberries and acai berries.
Also, it has been linked to a decreased incidence of heart disease and enhanced cognitive function in studies of non-human primates.
Its nutrition facts
The antioxidants in it, like polyphenols and flavonoids, are high.
The calories, sugar, and fat content vary depending on your chosen type.
It contains many minerals, including manganese, magnesium, iron, and copper.
However, the following are other nutrients: phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, vitamin K, B-12, and A.
The health benefits
You may continue reading to learn about the many incredible health benefits of it in-depth below:
It helps reduce blood pressure
Magnesium and copper are abundant in them.
They support healthy blood pressure levels by regulating the heartbeat.
A small amount of it may aid in attaining adequate levels of these key minerals.
Anticancer potential
Cocoa has been linked to reduced cancer risk in several studies, including one published in Nutrition and Cancer in 2009.
Bioactive components such as catechins and procyanidins account for these effects.
A 2016 study suggested that the flavanols and procyanidins in it might aid in the prevention of colon cancer when consumed together with a normal dietary flavonoid intake.
Although additional research is needed to understand its potential against cancer fully, the American Cancer Society claims that eating a small amount of it with at least 70% cocoa content might have some advantages to the body system.
It helps improve cognition
It is thought to have cognitive benefits, such as improved attention and memory.
Both elderly and young people may benefit from cocoa’s flavonol and polyphenol-rich content, which might help prevent stroke and dementia.
The addition of 70 percent cacao to the diet is linked with benefits, such as enhanced brain hyperplasticity or adapting to training and learning new abilities.
An excellent source of iron
It is high in potassium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals.
According to research published in Frontiers in Immunology, it may provide 25% of the USDA’s recommended dietary allowance for males, which might aid in the prevention of anemia and iron deficiency.
Maintains blood sugar levels in people with diabetics
Individuals with diabetes who consume moderate amounts of it may have a lower risk of developing diabetes.
In the case of diabetic individuals, cocoa polyphenols are also helpful in increasing insulin resistance and function as a vasodilator.
However, additional significant, randomized-controlled trials are required to provide further background to these findings.
It reduces the risk of stroke
The body is not the only beneficiary of it; according to some studies, it may also help blood vessels relax and expand.
It also helps to improve the function of endothelial cells that line blood cells.
It can reduce your risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, over time.
The early findings are promising, but more study is needed to verify them.
It improves heart health
It may assist in lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart ailments by containing 65 percent of its polyphenols and other antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols.
It has been shown to benefit heart health by keeping the arteries flexible.
Cholesterol-lowering properties
According to a study published in the Southern Medical Journal, it reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 10-12 percent in women.
Another research in the Free Radical Biology and Medical journal revealed that cocoa, a key component, may raise good cholesterol ( HDL) while lowering LDL oxidation.
Oxidized LDL can react with surrounding tissues, raising the risk of heart attacks.
Boosts immune system
The immunoregulatory effect of cocoa is described as its capacity to manage the activities of the immune system.
Rats on a diet high in cocoa had certain immune system changes, according to a 2017 rodent study.
While this is an intriguing possibility, further study in the field is needed.
In this respect, it may have beneficial effects.
Reduces inflammation
It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that help to alleviate inflammation in the stomach and heart muscle.
Beneficial during pregnancy
Eating it in modest amounts might aid pregnant women by preventing preeclampsia, relaxing the muscles, and enhancing overall immunity.
Weight loss
It has been found to have anti-obesity properties in that it inhibits the absorption of fat by the body.
Eating a small portion of it every few days or weeks might help you control your sweet cravings while also helping you stay on track with your weight loss program.
Best organic dark chocolate in the world
The Medicinal Foods LOVERS BAR ORIGINAL
This bar which has a beautifully exquisite wrapper and an exquisitely delicious taste lives up to its name.
Medicinal Foods has been making sustainable and organic delicacies for years.
This product combines simple natural ingredients such as cacao powder, Shaman’s blend, hemp protein, and other natural ingredients.
The greater the cocoa content, the more flavonoids (plant antioxidants) in this bar.
This bar’s minimalist and organic style makes it healthful, deliciously rich, and satisfying.
Raw organic dark chocolate
It has a distinct flavor that individuals appreciate.
It also implies that each time you consume it, it is an enjoyable experience.
Nevertheless, the health advantages of this snack are a pleasant surprise.
It is made of organic cocoa, including phytonutrients, antioxidants, essential minerals, and fiber.
It is less fattening than other types because the method used to create it results in less cocoa butter, which impacts flavor but not health advantages.
It may help improve heart health and lower heart disease risk and high blood pressure.
The main organic compounds in it are phenols, which have antioxidant properties.
Polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins are among them.
They may help prevent cancer and other inflammatory illnesses caused by oxidative stress on the body.
It’s a great source of minerals, including potassium and magnesium, useful in blood pressure management.
Also, it includes iron for the formation of hemoglobin and manganese, copper, zinc, and chromium.
Conclusion
There is much evidence that cocoa has significant health benefits, particularly heart disease.
But this does not imply that you should eat as much as possible daily.
It’s still high in calories and easy to overindulge.
Perhaps after dinner, have a couple of squares and try to savor them.
Also, keep in mind that many of them are not nutritious on the market.
Ensure to choose high-quality ones with at least 70% or higher cocoa content.
It is one of the few delicious foods while also providing substantial health benefits.
You may get your organic dark chocolate at your local grocery store or online.
