Eating dark chocolate regularly can help aging adults increase their brain function due to the theobromine and caffeine it contains. The same flavonoids that prevent heart conditions also boost memory, attention span, and reaction time.
"An exception to the pattern of milk chocolate being the consumer favorite is among consumers aged 55+ who are more likely to favor dark chocolate, most likely because they are seeking added nutritional benefits."
When searching for sweets, Americans tend to prefer milk chocolate over other cocoa choices. YouGov data shows that half of Americans (49%) are partial to milk chocolate while one-third (34%) enjoy dark chocolate the most. Just one in nine adults (11%) choose white chocolate as their favorite.
If you like dark chocolate, chances are you will be cultured, classy and sophisticated. You also don't sit on the fence when it comes to opinions you stand your ground and tend to get a tad dramatic. Full of energy, you make strong decisions. Your relationships are also strong, and you love being around other people.
Dark Chocolate may do wonders in helping one look younger. As per recent studies, it has been worked out that cocoa beans (the main ingredient of real chocolate) have an anti-aging benefit. In fact it is believed that cocoa actually could help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
In addition, it has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. These nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation.
Eating an excessive amount of dark chocolate can increase caffeine intake which can be unsafe for the foetus. Higher caffeine content can cause various issues like premature delivery, low birth weight and even lead to miscarriage. It is better to watch the quantity of your consumption.
According to health experts, food cravings in some cases may be indicators of nutritional deficiencies. This explains why you crave fatty foods and sugary treats while on a diet. As an example, chocolate cravings are often a sign of magnesium deficiency.
Great news: A recent cross-sectional study of over 13,000 U.S. adults found that people who ate dark chocolate in the prior 24 hours were 70 percent less likely to report depression.
Dark Chocolate Improves Blood Flow to the Brain
Compounds in dark chocolate boost memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain. What is this? The flavonoids in chocolate have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain in young and old alike.
From the current study on chocolate consumption,We found that the younger students, 4-8 and 9-12 years age group,tend to consume more chocolates.
Dark chocolate is one food item which is excellent for overall sexual health as it increases dopamine levels, which is the chemical affecting the pleasure spots in the brain.
So is dark chocolate actually healthy? Studies show that dark chocolate — when it is not loaded with sugar and saturated fat — is indeed a heart-healthy chocolate treat and more. Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies show it can help reduce blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.
Seniors may crave sweets if they don't consume enough carbohydrates to meet the body's energy needs. Prevent this type of craving by not allowing seniors to skip meals, encouraging them to eat a snack even if they don't feel hungry, and including complex carbs such as whole grains, protein, and fats in meals.
Incorporating some dark chocolate into your diet may also help ease anxiety. Dark chocolate contains flavonols, such as epicatechin and catechin, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants.
In summary, this research shows that 70% cocoa dark chocolate consumption can benefit verbal episodic memory two hours post consumption in healthy young adults relative to a white chocolate control.
Dark Chocolate and Serotonin Levels
Dark chocolate may increase serotonin levels not only due to the serotonin and L-tryptophan it contains, but also because it contains carbohydrates in the form of sugar, which can signal the body to produce more serotonin.
Sometimes chocolate cravings can be easily explained: You're just hungry. When your body is hungry, it craves fast carbohydrates like refined sugars. Unfortunately, most processed chocolate is high on the glycemic index, which means that it gives you a quick, but temporary sugar rush.
Dark chocolates are confirmed as an excellent source of magnesium (252.2 mg/100 g) and iron (10.9 mg/100 g): in chocolate containing 90% cocoa, their content corresponds to, respectively, 67.0% and 80.3 of Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) in the European Union.
You may find that a diet abundant in magnesium-rich foods will help keep your chocolate cravings at bay. Of course, you can get magnesium in a supplement form, too.
As long as dark chocolate is kept between 68 to 72 degrees at all times, it does not need to be refrigerated. Simply wrap the chocolate in plastic cling-wrap and store it in a sturdy plastic bag or container in a location sheltered from direct sunlight and strong food odors.
Lindt dark chocolate is the OG of healthy supermarket desserts – high in heart-friendly flavonoids and low in sugar. The higher the percentage of cocoa the less sweet stuff you'll find in the fine print, with the 85% cocoa option only containing 2.2 grams of sugar per serve.
70% cocoa dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which have some major anti-inflammatory effects. Flavanols help to reduce inflammation and keep the cells that line the arteries healthy. Antioxidants fight inflammation and free radicals, which can help your immunity and reduce your risk of disease.