Happy Chocolate Day: Valentine’s Week is going on right now and today is everyone’s favorite Chocolate Day. Giving chocolate to your special person is considered to be the easiest and popular way to express love. But often this question remains in people’s mind whether chocolate is harmful for health. This is the reason why one feels guilty before eating sweets. In such a situation, dark chocolate is the best option to avoid this guilt. If eaten in the right quantity and with the right cocoa content, dark chocolate not only gives taste but is also considered beneficial for the heart, brain and skin. So let us know the benefits of eating dark chocolate.
Flavonoids present in dark chocolate help in controlling blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).
Sharpens the brain: It increases blood flow in the brain, which improves memory and focus. Dark chocolate is also considered helpful in reducing stress and improving mood.
Beneficial for the skin: The antioxidants present in dark chocolate protect the skin from free radicals. This keeps the skin glowing and the effects of aging can be reduced.
Reduce stress and anxiety: Eating dark chocolate releases the happy hormone serotonin, which improves mood and reduces stress.
A better option in diabetes too: Dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa does not increase blood sugar rapidly, so in limited quantity it can be a better option.
Eating a little dark chocolate helps in weight management and helps in controlling cravings, which helps in avoiding overeating.
How and how much to eat?
- Cocoa content – at least 70%.
- Dosage – Not more than 20–30 grams a day.
- Time: After lunch or in the evening.
