7 miraculous benefits of eating 1-2 pieces of dark chocolate daily: Chocolate with 70% cocoa changes everything from heart health to mood.

For people who are fond of eating sweets, their mouth waters just by hearing the name of chocolate, but when it comes to health, ‘Dark Chocolate’ has always been kept in the category of superfoods instead of normal milk chocolate. Especially consumption of pure dark chocolate containing at least 70% or more cocoa is no less than a boon for health. If you include limited quantity i.e. only 1 to 2 pieces of dark chocolate in your daily diet, it not only protects your body from many serious diseases but also boosts mental energy. Let us know 7 amazing scientific benefits of eating dark chocolate with 70% cocoa from the perspective of science and Ayurveda. 1. Powerhouse of antioxidants and protection from free radicals: Dark chocolate contains abundant amounts of organic compounds which are bioactive and work as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavonols, and catechins. Scientific research shows that these elements found in dark chocolate neutralize the free radicals present in the body and protect the cells from premature aging or damage. 2. Maintains heart health by controlling blood pressure: Dark chocolate is considered very beneficial for heart health. The flavonols in chocolate with 70% cocoa stimulate the arteries, leading to the formation of nitric oxide. This nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels, which improves blood circulation and helps in controlling high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. 3. Increases ‘good cholesterol’ and reduces ‘bad cholesterol’. Oxidation of LDL i.e. bad cholesterol in the body is a major cause of heart diseases. Consuming dark chocolate can prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Along with this, it helps in improving the level of HDL i.e. Good Cholesterol, which is considered very safe for the cardiovascular system. 4. Strengthens brain function and cognitive health Do you know that dark chocolate can sharpen your brain? The flavonols present in it increase blood flow in various parts of the brain. Eating limited amounts of dark chocolate regularly can significantly reduce memory, ability to concentrate and the risk of cognitive decline with increasing age. 5. Protects the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. The bioactive compounds present in dark chocolate are also very beneficial for your skin. Flavonols improve blood flow in the skin, which increases skin hydration and density. Apart from this, it also acts as a natural protective shield to protect the skin from damage caused by the strong ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. 6. Keeps the mood fresh and drives away depression and stress. Mental stress and anxiety have become common in today’s busy life. Eating dark chocolate increases the secretion of ‘feel-good’ hormones i.e. serotonin and endorphins in our brain. It naturally improves your mood and reduces depression, fatigue and mental pressure in a jiffy. 7. Keeps blood sugar under control by improving insulin sensitivity. Diabetes patients often have a question in their mind that can they eat chocolate? Although chocolate containing sugar is harmful, dark chocolate with high cocoa content improves insulin sensitivity. It helps the cells of the body to use insulin properly, thereby keeping the blood sugar level under control.