When it comes to being healthy, chocolate doesn’t have the best reputation. And while some chocolate-filled treats can be loaded with sugar and other ingredients that aren’t great for your health, dark chocolate can be surprisingly good for you. If you eat a small portion of dark chocolate every day, you could see an overall improvement in your health. Here are just a few of the effects of adding more dark chocolate to your diet.
You may lower your blood pressure.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which stimulate the lining of the arteries (the endothelium) to produce nitric oxide. As a result, nitric oxide sends signals through the nervous system to relax the arteries, thereby improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
You’ll load up on antioxidants.
Did you know that dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than blueberries, acai berries, and other well-known antioxidant powerhouses? Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins, which function as antioxidants that combat free radical damage. Free radicals may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases, so loading up on antioxidants is a great way to protect your health and longevity.
You may feel mentally sharper.
Remember how dark chocolate can improve blood flow? As it turns out, this may be good not only for your heart but also for your brain. Consuming dark chocolate can help you stay mentally sharp by improving cognitive function thanks to this increased circulation. Chocolate also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, which can give you a more immediate mental boost as well.
You’ll be in a great mood.
Have you ever felt like chocolate is a true source of happiness? As it turns out, there may be some scientific backing to that. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that’s associated with moments of emotional euphoria.
For optimal health benefits, you should be discerning about the chocolate you eat. Zotter Chocolate sources fair traded, organic cocoa beans to produce some of the world’s best dark chocolate. Indulge your taste buds and do something good for your health with our classic dark chocolate or Labooko single-origin chocolates. Shop our selection online or look for our bars at fine retailers throughout the U.S.