12 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, you know how tough it is to get a sugary craving out of your mind once it enters. We all deserve to treat ourselves every now and then with a sweet treat! However, there is one sweet that you can feel good about indulging in: dark chocolate.

Why is dark chocolate good for you?

There are a variety of reasons why researchers and health practitioners consider cocoa and dark chocolate to be good for you, especially when compared to other types of chocolate. Cocoa contains high levels of naturally occurring compounds called flavanols, which are plant-derived nutrients. The specific flavanols found in cocoa beans are a distinct blend of phytonutrients that have unique benefits to the body.

The health benefits of dark chocolate

1. Full of antioxidants

Dark chocolate contains organic compounds that function as antioxidants. Researchers can test the antioxidant activity of foods by essentially setting bad molecules against a sample of food to see how well the antioxidants can “disarm” those molecules. Unprocessed cocoa beans (found in dark chocolate) are among the highest-scoring foods tested. In certain tests, dark chocolate has been shown to contain more antioxidants than some fruits, including blueberries and superfood acai berries!

2: Improves brain function

If you’re having trouble staying focused, try having a bit of dark chocolate. Studies have shown that dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, and can even help improve verbal fluency. This “brain boost” lasts about two to three hours according to research, so it’s a perfect boost right before a test or big presentation.

3: Improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure

The flavanols found in dark chocolate provide a variety of benefits to the body. One of the best benefits is that they stimulate the lining of the arteries to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide tells your arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow, which in turn reduces blood pressure.

4: Raises good cholesterol while lowering bad

While it is not an instantaneous benefit, studies have shown that small, moderated amounts of dark chocolate can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered to be “good” cholesterol. Studies have shown that just a seven-day consumption of dark chocolate can show a slight decrease in LDL cholesterol, with the strongest results showing after 21 or more days of consumption.

5: Reduces heart disease risk

Because dark chocolate contains compounds that protect against the oxidation of LDL, this means a long-term result would be a lower risk of heart disease. However, it is important to note that this is based on a study of consuming very small pieces of dark chocolate a day (about 0.25 ounces). A typical candy bar is about 43 grams.

6: Potentially boosts your vision

While there is still some further research and testing to be done on this, a recent study found that people who consumed dark chocolate versus milk chocolate had higher contrast visual sensitivity and visual clarity. This enhanced visual performance is likely due to the increase of blood flow to the retinas and brain.

7: Protects your skin

Another benefit that flavanols in dark chocolate provide is that they can help your skin reflect UV light, making you less prone to sunburns. In addition, these naturally occurring compounds also improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Certain studies have also shown that dark chocolate consumers displayed smoother skin!

8: Lowers your body mass index

For all you exercise junkies, this one's for you: one study showed that the frequent consumption of small amounts of dark chocolate is linked to lower body mass index (BMI). Participants in the study who showed lower BMI ate dark chocolate an average of twice a week and also exercised 3.6 times per week.

9: Boosts your mood

You know those foods that make you feel happy inside? Well, you can add dark chocolate to that list! Dark chocolate relaxes the blood vessels of the brain, which in turn helps to release serotonin, a chemical that our bodies produce to stabilize moods.

10: Aids your oral health

This one may sound a bit contradictory, but dark chocolate contains theobromine, a component that can help fight tooth decay. It also combats bacteria that may damage your overall oral health. Of course, eating dark chocolate is not a substitute for oral care, so remember to brush and floss after you enjoy your chocolate.

11: Helps control your cough

Along with helping tooth decay, theobromine can help to control the activity in the part of your brain that triggers coughing fits. In a small study, researchers found that theobromine was more effective in stopping a coughing fit than codeine, which is considered to be one of the most effective cough medicine.

12: Overall, it’s nutritious

With all the health benefits of dark chocolate, this one seems the most obvious: It’s overall pretty nutritious! Dark chocolate provides essential minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese, all of which contribute to forming healthy blood cells, improving your immune system, and maintaining healthy bones. Other nutrients include fiber, potassium, and good fatty acids.