Both the body and mind must have a positive relationship with all foods. However, developing a healthy relationship with dark chocolate could significantly impact general well-being. Epicatechin is one type of flavonol that is very advantageous. Chocolates contain flavonols that reduce inflammation and guard against the harm that free radicals can do to cells. Stopping the stigma associated with chocolate cravings is essential to counteract their detrimental effects. It's okay to experience cravings for some foods, like broccoli or chocolate, or to buy a chocolate gift for birthday. According to the experts, classifying any meal as forbidden frequently increases appetites for that food and causes guilt when consuming it.
Here are just a handful of the health advantages of dark chocolate, according to research:
Enhances heart health:
Research has demonstrated that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of clotting, and improve blood flow to the heart, all of which can lessen the risk of stroke or any heart disease.
The immunity balance:
Antioxidants keep the immune system from overreacting and lower oxidative stress, an imbalance brought on by cells' defense against free radicals and a significant contributor to several disorders.
Fights Glucose:
Epicatechin helps the body use insulin more efficiently by strengthening, protecting, and supporting the systems that enable the body to use insulin. These actions may help prevent or treat diabetes.
Enhances the functioning of the brain:
The antioxidants in the dark help improve visual-spatial awareness, memory, and reaction speed in the brain. One explanation for this might be that antioxidants improve blood flow to the brain; however, research is still underway.
Enhances sporting performance:
Dark chocolate's epicatechin raises blood levels of nitric oxide, which promotes blood circulation and lowers the amount of oxygen an athlete needs to expend during moderately severe activity. As a result, the athlete can continue working out at a high intensity for longer.
Decrease tension:
Research has shown that eating dark chocolate lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. People who ate the chocolate also reported feeling less anxious. Given that stress raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, this may have something to do with how dark chocolate affects heart health.
Suppose dark chocolate isn't already a part of the diet. In that case, one should consider adding it because of its micronutrients and health-promoting ingredients (it's crucial to remember that it contains caffeine, which some individuals may be sensitive to).
Here are some advantages of dark chocolate:
Chocolate with a higher cocoa content has healthier flavonols in it. Research has shown that chocolate containing at least 70% cacao is associated with most health benefits.
There is no firm guideline from researchers regarding the amount of dark chocolate necessary to reap these health advantages. Experts advise consuming at least 70% cacao content, minimally processed dark chocolate, and perhaps one ounce as a treat now and again.
The label's amount of calories, fat, and sugar should always be noted since this may impact the total health benefit.
Conclusion
One should establish some ground rules for the relationship with chocolate instead. Then, one can enjoy and savor it guilt-free, with aim and purpose. But one should avoid fidgeting with an endless bowl of chocolate candy while watching TV. Instead, he should pay attention to the occasion and purpose of his meal. For example, suppose someone plans to spend the weekend at a restaurant serving a famous chocolate dessert; one usually has a square of dark chocolate every day. In that case, he might forgo his daily indulgence for the weekend pleasure. Instead of alternating between trying to entirely avoid chocolate and then overindulging, a healthy relationship with it allows one to enjoy it in moderation and guilt-free.
