You may not think of dark chocolate as being as healthy as fruits and vegetables. While chocolate has long been associated with decadence, it does in fact offer health benefits. Chocolate doesn’t have to be a forbidden food that’s eaten as a reward or on Valentine’s Day.
That’s because it’s abundant in antioxidants (which help the body’s cells resist damage) and flavanols (a plant nutrient that’s more prevalent in dark chocolate than milk chocolate). Plus, it has minerals like fiber, magnesium and iron, which all positively impact your health.
While this well-loved food does hold some sugar and fat, the amount is typically low. “Give yourself permission to enjoy something that you like,” says Lee Cotton, RD, who practices in Stuart. “Allow yourself to have something you want. Enjoy it and be present and mindful with it.”
The more cocoa in the chocolate, the better the chocolate is for you. Also, the higher the percentage of cocoa, the higher the caffeine level. Still, let your palette do the picking. “It all comes back to what tastes good to you,” says Cotton. “If it’s bitter, it won’t be enjoyable for you.”
Here are just a few of dark chocolate’s health benefits:
• It decreases stress. Chocolate boasts high levels of magnesium, which promote muscle relaxation and a healthy nervous system. “Chocolate is something that people enjoy,” says Cotton.
• It raises heart health. Chocolate’s antioxidants have been shown to reduce clotting risk, increase circulation to the heart and lower blood pressure. That means eating dark chocolate may lead to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and death from heart disease.
• It boosts energy. Since it contains sugar, chocolate can give you a pick me up. It helps enhance your mood and makes you more alert. “You often crave a piece of chocolate in the afternoon when you’re tired,” says Cotton. “Chocolate can make you more aware and energized.”
• It lowers inflammation. Chocolate’s antioxidants and fiber may help reduce inflammation within cardiovascular tissue and decrease the long-term risk of stroke.
• It has calcium. Chocolate offers milk, so you get a dose of calcium. Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones. Cotton says, “It’s a hidden way to get calcium.”