On the occasion of World Chocolate Day, 4 great benefits of dark chocolate, a superfood | health



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The Maya saw chocolate as "the food of the gods," and reading some of its health benefits on World Chocolate Day might have you believe as well. But before tearing up this pack of M & M, let us clarify that we are talking specifically about dark chocolate here.

Packaged with antioxidants, minerals, polyphenols and flavonoids, dark chocolate can be considered a superfood with moderation. But how can chocolate – something that is so delicious and desirable – be good for you? Some of its benefits are listed below:

Bursting with Antioxidants

"Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that can" disarm "oxidants or free radicals in your body before they can cause you any harm.Some studies have shown that dark chocolate has a higher level of antioxidants than any fruit – including blueberries and berries. Acai, "says Deepak Pal, who is a lifestyle coach at the Smart Metabolic Anti-Aging Center.

Dark chocolate, when it is consumed over time, also helps to increase the blood flow to the brain.
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Best Brain Function

In the short term, a small piece of dark chocolate can improve brain function by increasing your level of awareness and concentration. "Raw cacao is a natural source of caffeine and theobromine, which provides instant energy to your brain without the added sugar of an energy drink. Dark chocolate, when consumed over time, also helps increase blood flow to the brain, allowing it to function optimally, "Pal explains.

Helping fight heart disease

Hira Junaid, a Delhi-based lifestyle coach, calls dark chocolate "your sweet soldier" in the battle against heart disease. "Research has shown that a moderate consumption of dark chocolate in the long run can fight bad cholesterol and reduce the insulin resistance of your body. The effect of dark chocolate is magnified when you are in the dark." It is consumed as part of a low-fat and high-carbohydrate diet.This can fight bad cholesterol and control insulin resistance that puts you at immediate risk of heart disease. "

Junaid also advises consumers to choose a brand of dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa and little or no added sugar.

Dark chocolate helps you get a glowing skin by offering anti-stress qualities.
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Skin Protection

Dark chocolate may have a bitter taste, but it is considered the fountain of youth. It is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin against the damage caused by free radicals, keeping it soft and supple for a long time. It also prevents the breakdown of collagen. "Collagen, considered as the building block of the skin, makes your complexion firm and bouncy.It also helps to replace old dead cells with new ones.At the whole, it's the glue that keeps the body together Dark chocolate prevents the breakage of this vital part of the skin which, if it is affected, will cause fine lines and wrinkles that will make you look old, "says Dr. Amit Karkhanis, medical cosmetologist and director of the Dr. Clinic. Tvacha of Delhi.

In addition to this, dark chocolate helps you to have a glowing skin by giving you anti-stress properties that, in turn, reduce the stress hormones.The flavonoids in dark chocolate also act as shields against harmful UV rays, protecting skin from sun damage and skin cancer.

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