Eating dark chocolate is not something to feel ashamed of. Dark chocolate is made using cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. It is full of antioxidants and nutrients with minimal sugar content. There are many ways you can enjoy it. You can order a triple chocolate cookie and enjoy the crunchy goodness. You will not lose out when you eat it. From losing weight to boosting your immune system, the benefits of dark chocolate can surprise you.

If you want to know how dark chocolate can benefit you, keep reading, and you will find out.

Improve your mental health

Anandamide is one of the components found in dark chocolate. It is similar to THC, although it packs a lesser punch. You will receive a boost in your mood and energy without the harmful effects. It also contains phenethylamine that is converted into serotonin. Serotonin is naturally produced in the body. If the levels are insufficient, you can boost your body’s levels using chocolate.

Promote cardiovascular health

Taking cocoa can help promote cardiovascular health. It lowers the chances of getting heart disease. Dark chocolate is made from cocoa, and taking it can help promote heart health. To protect your heart, all you need to do is order a triple chocolate cookie. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate produce nitric oxide that helps blood vessels relax. This can significantly lower the risk of getting a stroke.

Help prevent diabetes

Chocolate can help your body develop insulin resistance while boosting endothelial function. When you have high insulin resistance, you reduce the risk of getting diabetes. However, do not choose those that have high sugar content. 

Improve and raise HDL cholesterol 

Chocolate can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a known contributor to atherogenesis. This can potentially cause cancer. HDH cholesterol, on the other hand, is the good kind of cholesterol. The antioxidants present in dark chocolate can increase the levels of HDL in your body. These antioxidants can help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage the body.

Help you lose weight

While this might be hard to believe, dark chocolate can help you lose weight. It can help you control your appetite, and promote weight loss. It acts like a prebiotic that encourages the growth of good bacteria in your gut. This can help you absorb more nutrients and have better metabolism. Next time you want to control your cravings. Visit Mid-Day Squares for Soy Free and Dairy Free Healthy Chocolates.

Lower your blood pressure

Dark chocolate can help you lower your blood pressure. It can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. If you are suffering from hypertension, you can take it to help manage your blood pressure. 

Boost your immune system

With all the health benefits, it is not surprising that it improves your immune system. Improving blood flow, promoting gut health, and other things that dark chocolate does can improve your immunity. A better immune system means you are less likely to fall sick. A bite of dark chocolate every day can prevent you from getting an infection. It can also make you feel better if you are not well. By taking a small amount, you can get more energy and a better mood that facilitates quick recovery.

How much should you eat?

You can enjoy your dark chocolate daily as it is full of nutrients. It has less sugar compared to milk chocolate, making it good for diabetes prevention. However, you need to control your intake. The recommended amount of dark chocolate you can have is 30-60g a day. Anything more will give you too many calories. 

Good for your skin

Taking dark chocolate is beneficial for your skin. It can prevent skin damage from ultraviolet rays. Too much exposure to the sun can damage the skin. However, you can promote the health of your skin using your diet. The flavanols increase the levels of MED in the body. This makes your skin build a higher resistance towards UV damage. 

Ways to enjoy dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is delicious once you get past the slight bitterness. Since it is healthier than milk chocolate, you can enjoy it without worrying about affecting your health. There are different ways you can have your dark chocolate. Here are some recommendations:

• You can grate it over your morning cereal. If you take oats, you can use them to sweeten your morning meal. 
• You can use dark chocolate as a garnish for fruit salads. It will add a fancy touch to your salad and, it can complement desserts perfectly. 
• You can have baked goodies with dark chocolate. No time to bake? You can order a triple chocolate cookie if you have a sweet tooth and enjoy your dark chocolate. This can give them an extra punch and bring out other flavors.
• Eat it on its own. You can enjoy eating it on its own. All you need to do is put a small piece in your mouth and not be in a hurry to chew it. Dark chocolate needs to be savored so you can enjoy all the bitter-sweet flavors. If you want a boost of energy, take a bite during the day.
• You can add it to smoothies and ice creams. It will add flavor and color. For smoothies, it will add nutrient value so you can get more benefits. 
• Chocolates are great gifts for your favorite chocolate lovers.

Final Thoughts

Eating dark chocolate is good for your physical and mental health. Next time you have a chocolate craving, you can order a triple chocolate cookie and enjoy satisfaction in every bite. Having a bite of chocolate can brighten your day. However, do not forget to take it in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. There are so many ways you can have dark chocolate. All you need to do is pick your best and enjoy. 

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