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.

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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.

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Common Questions About Baltic Amber

Baltic amber has been around since ancient times. It’s a European staple for men and women for centuries, not only as a matter of culture but also because of the healing powers it possesses. Over the years, amber necklaces and anklets have become a popular choice for soothing teething children, relieving pain and anxiety in adults and helping pregnant women de-stress. Whether you simply want to feel closer to nature, make use of the healing properties, or want to give a unique, thoughtful, and practical gift, Baltic amber is the perfect solution. Let's explore some common questions pertaining to amber and help you understand more. What Is Amber? Amber is not, contrary to popular belief, made from stone but rather from a tree resin that was excreted millions of years ago and has become fossilized. The type of amber used for healing comes from areas surrounding the Baltic Sea in Europe and is different because it contains higher levels of succinite, which is the element associated with healing. Succinite is found both in nature and in our bodies. It is what's known as an analgesic, which is any medicine that relieves pain without inducing unconsciousness. Nowadays, succinite is actually manufactured chemically by the pharmaceutical industry for an array of uses but is found in naturally high quantities in the amber teething anklet. How To Use It? Amber should be worn against the skin to utilize healing properties because heat from the body allows succinite to be absorbed. For best results, the jewelry should be worn permanently and fitted closest to any area of the body in pain or with an ailment. A person suffering from neck pain may choose to wear an anklet, while those with arthritis should try and wear a bracelet. It's often advised that babies wear amber teething anklet so that they are out of reach and can't be chewed or played with. Healing Properties: As mentioned, Baltic amber is known for its soothing qualities and stress relief, but also works as an anti-inflammatory and sleep aid. It is particularly beneficial for the pain of bone and joints, and many people suffering from chronic skin conditions, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis have reported significant relief. How Long Will It Take And Last: As with food supplements or medication, results vary from person to person, but many wearers notice changes within 24hours, while others see it a few days later. It's advised that a new wearer commits to wearing Baltic amber for three to four weeks. As with most things in life, age and lifestyle (like being exposed to toiletries, chlorine, and excessive heat) can lead to brittleness and fading, but careful care and maintenance prolongs the lifespan of Baltic amber to roughly two years. It's best to remove it when bathing or swimming and is simple to clean, by dipping in plain, warm water and wiping with a soft cloth. Being a natural product with so many potential benefits, it seems like an obvious choice for anyone to try Baltic amber. Just remember, we're not medical professionals and the opinions mentioned are not intended as medical advice. Read Also: Health Benefits Of The Amber Teething Necklace Ways To Emotionally Deal With Chronic Illness

5 Essential Nutrients For Maintaining Optimal Maternal Health

Is there anything more miraculous and joyful than carrying a piece of you for nine straight months? But pregnancy is certainly not a journey full of roses. From consuming the right diet to limiting exercise, there is so much to consider. But out of all, eating right during pregnancy is mega important. It is really vital for nurturing a healthy baby and mama. But with so many pregnancy nutrition rules, it can get kind of confusing and overwhelming fast! Well, guess what, here is a guide that will take you through the 5 essential nutrients every expecting mother should consume in the right amount. So, let’s get started… Prenatal Vitamins: What Are Those? In simple terms, prenatal vitamins refer to multivitamins for expecting mothers. In comparison to a usual multivitamin, the former has more nutrients that might make the pregnancy healthier. Usually, the medical professional assisting you will prescribe it, but if he doesn’t, you can always buy it from stores with a prescription. The human body uses minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients present in food to stay healthy and strong. At the time of pregnancy, as we all know, the mother passes down all necessary nutrients to her embryo. Thus, your body asks for more vitamins when you are pregnant. That is exactly the job of prenatal vitamins. Which Nutrients Are Most Important For A Perfect Maternal Health? Before you go bonkers, let’s break it down to the essential nutrients preggos really need more of. Here are 5 all-star vitamins and minerals to help maintain tip-top maternal health: The VIP Folate Alright, all you soon-to-be mamas, listen up. Folate (aka folic acid) should be topping your prenatal vitamin rockstar list. This essential B vitamin helps prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine when taken before conception and in early pregnancy. We're talking about the next level vital for fetal development. Folate also helps produce new cells, so mama needs extra to accommodate a growing babe. Most docs recommend women start supplementing 400-800 mcg of folate at least a month before pregnancy. But hey, better late than never, if you're already pregnant, try to achieve optimal maternal health with a Specialist Obstetrician! Supercharged Iron Fun fact: A developing fetus needs lots of mineral iron to form their blood supply and other tissues. So, in turn, mama needs way more iron to share with baby! When you're expecting, your iron needs to jump by up to 50%. Unfortunately, the vitamin C in my OJ every morning doesn't cut it. Most mamas-to-be need an additional iron supplement of 30-60 mg on top of a balanced diet. Too little iron during pregnancy zaps your energy and can lead to stuff like anemia. No one wants that! So, rev up on iron-rich foods plus a prenatal vitamin to stay energized. The Calcium Extravaganza Did you know baby needs around 30 grams of calcium just to build their tiny growing skeleton? Well, they have to get that supply from somewhere! The calcium in Mama's body works overtime during pregnancy to help form the baby's bones and teeth. That's why pregnant women need around 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Goodbye, plain almond milk, hello, extra cheesy pizza! Jokes aside, ensure you get adequate calcium from dairy, leafy greens, supplements, or all of the above. Your wee one will thank you for strong bones. Omega-3s For Winning You've probably heard omega-3 fatty acids are clutch for heart and brain health. Well, it turns out they’re essential for a baby’s development, too. These healthy fats help build a baby’s nervous system and retinal tissues. They’re also linked to lower risks of preterm births and postpartum depression. That’s why experts recommend at least 250–300 mg of omega-3s like DHA daily for expecting mothers. Load up on fatty fish, nuts, and seeds - or just grab a fish oil supplement as an insurance policy to meet your levels. Consider omega-3s a must for both of your well-being. The Magical Magnesium Don't sleep on the mineral magnesium during pregnancy! It plays a role in so many vital stuff: bone growth, regulating blood pressure, aiding enzymes and metabolism, and muscle and nerve function. Oh, and helping build DNA and RNA. NBD! Unfortunately, the typical Western diet often lacks enough magnesium. Pregnant women need at least 350–400 mg daily from food and supplements. Get your fill from dark leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, and more magnesium-rich sources. Your body and babe will thank you! Mamas, Take Care Of Your Mental Health Too… You are already doing so much, make sure to sit back and relax. Pregnancy might seem like a 9-month-long journey, but trust us when we say it passes in the blink of an eye. All those days will be missed by you later. So, make sure to take care of your mental health too. Surround yourself with positive people, listen to calm music, and avoid taking too much stress. Post-partum depression is inevitable, but you can always be cheerful in your approaches when the baby is growing inside you. Eat whatever satisfies your soul, but make sure that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your baby. Your emotional strength is responsible for your physical strength, too. So, ensure to keep both of them balanced, positive, and cherishing. Conclusion There you have it, mamas - the crème de la crème nutrients for staying healthy during pregnancy! Prioritizing these all-star vitamins and minerals ensures you and your growing baby get all the key building blocks you need. Consult your doctor and add any supplements needed for optimal levels. Your nutrient intake matters more than ever before – so eat well for two! With this, it's a wrap on this comprehensive guide. But you will get to know more if you want to. Keep reading my articles, as they have a lot of beneficial information for my readers. Also, if you find this article helpful, do not forget to share your comments below. Read Also: The Top 10 Best Foods To Eat In Early Pregnancy Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit

Crucial Tips to Getting a Flat Stomach

No one likes a sagging belly. Even pregnant ladies sometimes complain about their sagging bellies only that they do not have an option. Most men want to have that six pack and ladies as well want to feel sexy all the time with their flat bellies. Sagging stomachs are caused by the accumulation of fats in the underlying stomach tissues as well as other organs near the stomach such as the liver. Many people have been struggling to lose this fat to no success. Different techniques, pills, supplements among others have been invented but none seems to be working. This has left many people with no alternative but remain with their ‘big bellies' despite how bad looking they are. This article aims at giving you essential tips on how you should lose your belly fat and have a flat stomach with ease. Essential Tips 1. Eat the right diet Diet is very crucial when it comes to getting a flat stomach. Different eating habits that many people have adopted have exposed them to health hazards such as belly fat accumulation. There are essential tips which you should keep in mind as far as diet is concerned. Ensure you sleep two to three hours from your last meal. This is a simple rule that many people tend to ignore. However, it is quite essential. In many cases, people take their supper and immediately go to sleep. During sleep, the rate of metabolism is slow as compared to the day. Therefore, giving yourself a few hours before sleeping after your meal give the body an allowance to metabolize the consumed food. 2. Stick to a healthy diet Flat tummy requires strictly a special diet. These include; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other less fatty foods. Avoid junk foods like chips and candy and you will definitely have a flat tummy. Eat lots of lean proteins such as nuts, beans, and lean meat. Also, consume more of whole grains, low-fat dairy products and reduce your sodium intake. Conduct a research on the different type of food that you take which are likely to affect the size of your belly. List them against their replacements and slowly start shifting from bad to good eating habits. 3. Reduce on Quantity Avoid eating too much food on a daily basis. Instead, concentrate on quality rather than quantity. Many people, eat much food with little nutritional value to their body. Ensure that your dish has balanced diet before sitting to eat. Analyze what you eat on a daily basis and as well evaluate and eliminate bad eating habits. The key point is to concentrate on the quality of food rather than its quantity. Chew slowly and thoroughly to avoid from bloating and getting a lot of gas in your stomach. Also, take some time intervals before bites to ensure that foods easily moves along your digestive system. You can as well take seeds and nuts which easily fills up your stomach reducing the amount of food you take. 4. Reduce on sugary substances You should be very cautious when taking artificial sweeteners. Scientific research shows that different kind of artificial sweeteners triggers hunger tempting you to eat a lot of food. This results in the accumulation of fats in your belly hence altering the size of your stomach. They also reduce your insulin levels in the body. In place, you can decide to be drinking lots of water which will significantly or join mike Geary program fat burning kitchen help you get a flat stomach. Water, for instance, aids the process of metabolism. Drinking a lot of water also fills up your stomach thus reducing the amount of food you consume. 5. Engage in weight training This is a common behavior to men. However, many women have enrolled in weight training programs in different parts of the world. In order to get a flat stomach, enroll weight training exercises that target abdominal muscles like crunches. However, do this under the instructions of a trainer. Many people who have independently engaged in weight training ends up hurting themselves. 6. Reduce on your sodium Intake Bloating can be another hindrance to a flat stomach. Therefore, to avoid bloating, reduce the amount of sodium you consume. In place, increase you water intake. Ensure you read the labels in different types of foods that you consume. This will help you monitor the amount of sodium that you take. In case you doubt, the reading from the labels, let health experts conduct a mineral analysis on the particular food for you. Limiting the amount of sodium also drastically reduces body water retention capacity hence making you lean as well as giving you a flat stomach. These guidelines will definitely give you a flat stomach. Avoid some unclear means provided by ‘experts’ on ways to get a flat stomach to be on the safe side. However, do not disregard essential information on ways to get flat tummies from other articles.

8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate