8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Published on: 21 September 2022 Last Updated on: 22 September 2022

Chocolate is the world’s favorite sweet indulgence. In fact, the average person will consume about 12 pounds of chocolate each year. Chocolate is often considered a treat or a dessert, but did you know that chocolate actually provides great health benefits too?

Some of this has to do with the amount of lecithin in chocolate. Chocolate truly brings together the best of both worlds: a yummy treat that is also good for you in moderation.

Checkout 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate:

Let’s take a look at some of the ways chocolate can actually help you stay healthy.

Not All Chocolate Is Created Equal

It is important to remember that not all chocolate is created equal. Dark chocolate is actually the only form of chocolate that can really benefit your health.

The reason for this is that dark chocolate does not have tons of added sugar. In fact, the darker the chocolate the less sugar is added. So, if you want to really reap the health benefits, always choose dark chocolate.

1. Antioxidant

Within our bodies are chemicals and compounds referred to as free radicals. These chemicals and compounds are created by cellular processes. You can think of them as waste products that are created as our body processes toxins and other invaders. These free radicals can have a negative impact on our health over time.

To fight free radicals, you need antioxidants present in your body. Antioxidants are compounds that kill off the free radicals and keep your body clean. Dark chocolate is a wonderful source of antioxidants. A regular dose of dark chocolate will help keep free radicals down in your body.

2. Cancer Prevention

Cancer research scientists have a growing body of research that supports the existence of cancer-fighting properties in dark chocolate. This is due to the presence of antioxidants and flavonoids found in the chocolate. Tests have shown that these compounds successfully reduce the number of colon cancer cells in rats.

3. Heart Health

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate are primarily of the type called flavonols. These compounds have a powerful effect on heart health, including blood pressure reduction and improving blood flow to the heart. Some tests also show that flavanols can also improve blood flow to the brain as well, which could improve cognitive function.

4. Improves Cholesterol

Cholesterol levels can have a significant impact on heart health and overall well-being. The cocoa butter that is found in chocolate contains healthy fats and polyphenols. These both work together to improve the lipid profile of the body. This means that it can help to decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Cholesterol profiles can affect how well the heart can pump blood throughout the body. High cholesterol levels can greatly increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

5. Improved Cognitive Function

Dark chocolate has a powerful impact on how blood can move through the body. This includes increasing blood flow to the brain. When the brain does not have sufficient blood flow, it will start to impact cognitive function. This can include memory, task management, time management, mood, and more.

Improving blood flow to the brain is one of the best ways to improve cognitive function. Doctors have tested Alzheimer’s patients who were given flavonoid-rich foods to see if the increase in these compounds in the diet could improve cognitive function factors.

Positive results have been recorded in these tests. Because dark chocolate is considered a flavonoid-rich food, it can be added to a flavonoid-rich diet to help with cognitive function.

6. Blood Pressure

Blood pressure issues can be a huge contributor to the risk of heart disease. There are medications that can be used to control blood pressure problems, but there are also natural ways to help blood pressure as well. Adding dark chocolate to your diet has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels.

However, you should note that if you are being treated for blood pressure issues under a doctor’s care, you should follow all instructions from your doctor. Talk with your doctor about natural ways to improve blood pressure.

7. Improves Vision

Vitamins and nutrients found in dark chocolate have also been shown to help improve vision. Although natural methods of vision improvement, such as diet modifications, cannot cure all vision problems, it is good to know which food products you can add to your diet to boost vision.

8. Improves Skin

The rich flavanol content of dark chocolate may also be able to improve your skin. When flavanols are rich in the body, they can help to protect your skin from sun damage. Sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer. Flavanol can also help to improve skin smoothness as well.

Some Final Considerations

If you decide to start adding more dark chocolate to your diet, be sure to remember that dark chocolate should be added in moderation. You should choose chocolate that has very little added sugar. The darker the better.

The many health benefits of dark chocolate can be primarily attributed to a large amount of flavonoid content. If you are interested in more health benefits, you can research other flavonoid rich foods. Adding these foods into your diet can increase these health benefits.

It is important to note that you should always consult your doctor concerning current treatments and not make sudden changes to your treatments without consulting your doctor.

Read Also:

Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

View all posts

What is the best way to consume CBD? CBD capsules & softgels!

CBD comes in various forms and each proffer unique positive and negative. It is vital to stay aware of the differences so that we can stay informed on the best options for our circumstances. But what is the easiest way to take CBD? The reality is the different forms of CBD products have some diverse ideal circumstances for use. Sometimes, the best is pure oil but CBD capsules are perfect in some other cases. A thing is too clear today as when it comes to convenience, the capsules of CBD oil are king. What are the pros of CBD capsules? The convenient way Of all the ways to consume CBD products, gel caps are the most suitable. After all, it does not get too easier than swallowing any pill. Our CBD capsules are small and it is easy to swallow the same. Further, CBD capsules are now widely available in the UK and these are small so it is easy to take them.CBD capsules are too convenient for rapid use and also, are quite discrete too. You may get weird if you consume a drop of oil in public – but pop a pill of CBD oil and nobody is going to provide you a second sight. The controlling factor Any other benefit of CBD capsules is the exact dosages. When you use oil & tinctures of CBD, then you can get an accurate idea of the doses that you are taking. But through the capsules of CBD oil, you will get to know what you are consuming each time. To exemplify, the 25 grams of CBD oil capsules comprise 25 grams of CBD for each serving. Knowing the right content of CBD is an immense benefit of softgels of CBD. Tasteless and Odorless option CBD capsules are odorless as well as tasteless. That is good news for people who do not like the taste of CBD or are worried about the effects that it gives them while breathing. Pure CBD Oil has no bad taste but definitely, it holds a distinct flavor. Most people describe the CBD taste either as earthy or grassy. It is an acquired taste for some people. CBD gel capsules proffer a free-from flavor and odor option. CBD capsules or Oil – Which one is a good option? Apologies but there is no such perfect option while making a comparison. Both pills, as well as oil, are outstanding options and each can beat the other in some specific circumstances. Let us take a look at the pros below. Pros of CBD capsules: Exact doses No taste or effects. Shelf-time is long. Convenient option Pros of CBD oil It absorbs too quickly. It is too personalized. It is quite affordable. All in all, both are reliable options available. If you take any form of CBD, then it is not at all a winning decision. Most people pick up some alternative products. People opt for oil or tinctures when they are at their place but go for softgels when they are out. It offers both approaches as per the convenience of people and you can choose the one that fits the best. Conveniently, there is a vast range of CBD products in the form of tinctures, topical, and capsules. You’re on the fence to choose the perfect one. Read Also: When is it Time to Start Considering CBD Use? Are CBD Lotions Good For Your Skin? CBD the Solution to Insomnia

8 Home Remedies to Banish Acne Scars and Discoloration for Good (Info-graphic )

If your blemishes leave behind discolorations or scars, you're not alone. Acne scarring is a problem that afflicts many teens and adults. When a pimple heals, the body produces collagen to repair the damaged skin. If the body doesn't produce the correct amount of collagen, a scar forms. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to minimize acne scarring, ranging from tea tree oil to lemon juice. Here are a few of the best natural remedies for acne scars. Honey If you're dealing with leftover inflammation from your last breakout, honey is a great way to speed up the healing process. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the size of current acne and stimulate healthy healing. If you decide to use honey as a topical treatment, make sure you only use raw, unprocessed honey. Honey that's been treated may not have the necessary acne-fighting properties. Then apply a thin layer of honey to the face, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly when you're done. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is famous for its soothing properties, but it can also help to repair the skin. That's because it promotes healthy collagen formation. If the body produces the correct amount of collagen during the healing process, it's likely to result in a smaller, less noticeable scar. To use aloe vera as a scar reduction treatment, simply apply a pure aloe vera liquid to existing scars once a day. You should see an improvement within a few weeks. Lemon Juice Like all citrus fruits, lemons are chock full of Vitamin C. Because Vitamin C is known to stimulate collagen production, a healthy dose of lemon juice can reduce the appearance of acne scarring. If you want to get the most benefit out of your lemon juice, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice into a cotton ball. Swipe the cotton ball over the affected areas, and then leave the juice on the skin for ten minutes. Wash the juice off afterward. Due to its acidity, it can irritate the skin if left on too long. Tea Tree Oil If you're dealing with persistent acne, you should try tea tree oil. This natural acne-fighting option has potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can help get rid of existing acne and leftover acne scars. To use tea tree oil for acne scarring, place a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton swab and then rub the oil into the scarred areas. Tea tree oil can be irritating to sensitive skin, so do a spot check before using it all over your face. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a well-known natural disinfectant, and it's a popular ingredient in many acne-fighting remedies. It not only helps to get rid of existing acne, however, it can also help diminish the appearance of acne scars. It can be used as a natural exfoliator, helping the skin shed dead skin cells. This speeds up the healing process. If you want to use apple cider vinegar for acne scarring, swipe a teaspoon-sized amount of vinegar onto the scars. Leave it on the skin for ten minutes, and then rinse. Shea Butter If you have acne-prone skin, you may be using a number of harsh, acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While these ingredients can help get rid of acne, they can also leave it feeling dry, dull, and irritated. Skin can't repair itself, however, if it's not hydrated and healthy. Shea butter contains antioxidants and fatty acids, which can help skin repair itself. It also offers the skin a healthy dose of hydration. When skin is healthier, it is better able to heal itself. Since purchasing a raw shea butter product from your local health food store, and apply it to the skin once or twice a day. Fresh Tomato Facial Tomatoes have used in DIY acne treatments for years, and for good reason. The tomato can do everything from exfoliating the skin to provide it with antioxidant protection. It can also help to fade and eliminate leftover acne scars. That's because tomatoes contain nutrients like potassium and iron, which can help to minimize scar formation. To get the best results from your tomato skin treatment, use a blender to puree a fresh tomato. Apply the mixture to the skin, and let it sit for 20 minutes. You can also take fresh tomato slices and rub the juice into the skin. Emu Oil Emu oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It's also packed with omega fatty acids, which penetrate deep into the skin to deliver much-needed nourishment. To use emu oil to treat your leftover scars, simply rub a small amount of the oil into the scarred areas once or twice a day. This hydrating oil is beneficial to the skin, and you don't need to worry about rinsing it off afterward. You can leave it on overnight to enhance its efficacy. There are many natural ways to reduce post-acne scarring and pigmentation. From hydrating oils to natural extracts, these at-home remedies are a great way to help the skin heal. Your skin will be looking as good as new in no time! 8 Home Remedies to Banish Acne Scars ( Infographic) If you want to know more about how you can make most of the natural power, here is an infographic, 10 Fantastic Herbs to Fight Acne, brought to you by beskinhost.com. Read also: Top 4 Natural Combination For You To Eliminate Blackheads (Infographics)

What is the World Trade Center Health Program?

The country recently recognized the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. The anniversary brought up many emotions for many people who were directly and indirectly affected on that day. There are also political issues that were brought to the forefront again. For example, Congress is currently working to maintain funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, facing a significant funding gap. There’s a newly proposed bill working its way through Congress that would put an additional $7.3 billion into the fund, keeping it operational for another ten years. After that, the bill calls for a further annual 5% increase. So what is this program, and what should you know? Program Basics The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 authorized both the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and something called the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Both are intended to serve the survivor and 9/11 responder communities. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, mission, and process for enrollment. The WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for health conditions related to 9/11 for survivors and first responders. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oversees the program, as does the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The WTC Health program serves responders at the World Trade Center and related sites in New York City, as well as responders to the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania sites. To be covered, a condition has to be certified through the WTC Health Program. A program-affiliated health care provider must treat the condition. Categories of conditions that may be covered include acute and traumatic injuries, airway and digestive disorders, cancers, mental health conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions. Covered Conditions Touched on above were the broad categories of covered conditions. Specifically, conditions include: Acute traumatic injuries: These are physical damage to your body. Examples include burns, eye injuries, and head trauma. Airway and digestive disorders: These affect your sinuses or lungs or portions of your upper digestive tract. Examples include asthma, chronic respiratory disorder, interstitial lung disease, and reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. Cancers: This program includes blood and lymphoid tissue cancers, like lymphoma and leukemia, digestive system cancers, head and neck cancer, and mesothelioma. Mental health conditions: Examples of conditions covered under the WTC program are major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, and substance use disorder. Musculoskeletal disorders: This category only applies to WTC responders, and it includes low back pain and conditions caused by repetitive joint strain. Who’s Eligible? The qualify for the WTC Health Program, you have to be in one of the following categories: An FDNY responder: You have to be a member of the Fire Department of New York City who was participating at a minimum of one day in recovery and rescue efforts at any World Trade Center site. General responder: This includes volunteers and workers who provided a variety of services following the 9/11 attacks but were not affiliated with the FDNY. New York City survivor: You may qualify for the program if you’re someone who was present in the disaster area in New York City following the attacks because of your work, where you lived, child care, adult day care, or school attendance. Pentagon and PA responders: for recovery and cleanup workers, volunteers, and emergency responders who were directly involved in the attacks on the Pentagon and near Shanksville, there may be program eligibility. What Does the Program Provide? Program participants receive treatment for all certified conditions, and prescription medications are included as part of that. You have to receive health care services through a WTC Health Program-affiliated provider. You can receive benefits without paying deductibles or copays. Also included are annual health screenings. You can use the qualification of your medical conditions under this program to file a claim for compensation through the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, which is also federally funded. In 2015, the program was reauthorized for funding. In 2019, both the WTC Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund received permanent authorization until October 2090. Again, as was mentioned above, currently, Congress is hammering out details to make sure the program has the money it needs for the foreseeable future, and experts say that its ending is not an immediate threat. If you could be eligible, it’s essential to look into the requirements and potentially speak to an attorney who can guide you through the process. Read Also: 6 Reasons To Prefer Patient-Centered Care For Older Adults 6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate