Dark Chocolate - The Superfood that Reduces Stress
Body
4-6
Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and minerals, and it generally contains less sugar than chocolate. Some research suggests that dark chocolate may help lower the danger of heart condition, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, and improve brain function. People that have an interest in adding bittersweet chocolate to their diet should keep in mind that it's high in fat and calories, so moderation is vital.
Check out: Reliable Recipes - Healthy Whole-Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
NUTRITONAL FACTS
| Calories | 546 kcals |
| Carbs | 17 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Protein | 4.88 g |
| Sodium | 24 mg |
| Water | 0.97 g |
| Calcium | 56 mg |
| Iron | 8.02 mg |
| Potassium | 559 mg |
| Magnesium | 146 mg |
| Phosphorus | 206 mg |
| Sodium | 24 mg |
| Zinc | 2.01 mg |
| Copper | 1.02 mg |
| Manganese | 1.41 mg |
| Selenium | 3.0 µg |
| Total fat | 31.28 mg |
| Cholesterol | 8 mg |
• It also contains some important vitamins: Vitamin A (50 IU), Vitamin K (8.1 µg) or Vitamin B-3 (0.72 mg).
BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE
- Dark chocolates enhance blood flow.
- It promotes muscle growth.
- They are good for your anabolic health.
- It helps reduce stress.
- It can help you stick to your diet.
- Dark chocolates give you more energy.
- It improves your mood.
- Dark chocolate also improves fetal growth: Regular consumption of dark chocolates reduces the risk of preeclampsia (a condition which can be fatal for the mother and baby) in women by lowering blood pressure.
- It can protect your skin from the sun.
- Dark chocolate contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Eating dark chocolate may improve brain function and help prevent neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Improved cognitive functioning.
- Chances of reduced blood pressure.
How much to eat?
Chocolate manufacturers don't need to report the flavanol content of their products. As a result, it's difficult to understand what proportion of dark chocolate an individual would wish to eat to maximize its health benefits.
Studies say to use 20–30 g of dark chocolate per day. Dark chocolate with higher percentages of cacao solids typically contains less sugar but more fat. More cacao also means more flavanols, so it's best to settle on dark chocolate that has a minimum of 70 percent cacao solids.
Here are some interesting ways you can include dark chocolate in your diet
1. Make a dark chocolate milkshake.
2. Add it to your cereal: Whatever cereals you eat, add some pieces of dark chocolate to them.
3. Dark Chocolate Cake.
4. Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.
5. Chocolate Covered Apple Donuts.
Also read: Sugar-Free Chocolate Pancake recipe from scratch
