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Dark chocolate contains a lot of nutrients that are good for your health.
Dark chocolate contains powerful antioxidants. The most useful one is a flavonol called epicatechin. Flavonols are compounds found in plants that fight inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
These are just some of the benefits of dark chocolate that have been shown in studies:
Improves heart health: Antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, and improve blood flow to the heart. Protects the heart and reduces the risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and death from heart disease.
Balances the immune system: Flavonols prevent the immune system from going overboard, reducing oxidative stress, an imbalance caused by cells that fight free radicals and is a common cause of many diseases.
Fights diabetes: Epicatechin protects cells, strengthens them, and supports the process that allows the body to use insulin more effectively, which can prevent or fight diabetes.
Improves brain function: Flavonols in dark chocolate have a positive effect on brain function, including improved reaction time, visuospatial awareness, and enhanced memory. Research is ongoing, but one reason may be that flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.
Improved Athletic Performance: Epicatechin in dark chocolate increases the production of nitric oxide in the blood, supporting circulation and reducing oxygen consumption in athletes during moderate intensity exercise. This allows athletes to maintain training intensity for longer.
Reduced Stress: People who ate dark chocolate reported reduced stress, and researchers found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased after eating dark chocolate. This may be related to the effects of dark chocolate on heart health, as stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
