9 health benefits of chocolate

Not only a gift for couples on Valentine's Day, chocolate also brings many health benefits such as good for the heart, brain, preventing memory loss, obesity...

Many studies have found that chocolate is very good for the heart, circulation, brain, and helps prevent serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease...

Nutritional content of dark chocolate

A 100 g bar of dark chocolate with about 70-85% cocoa contains:

- 11 g fiber

- 67% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of iron

- 58% RDA of Magnesium

- 89% RDA of copper

- 98% RDA of manganese

- High in potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.

Good for circulation

According to the Telegraph, recent research shows that dark chocolate helps restore blood circulation in the arteries, while preventing white blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, two common causes of coronary artery blockage.

Reduce the risk of stroke

Researchers in Finland conducted a study on a group of people and found that chocolate consumption reduced the risk of stroke by 17%. In addition, people who had suffered a stroke and regularly ate chocolate reduced the risk of death by 46%.

Lower cholesterol

Many studies have shown that consuming chocolate helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) concluded that consuming chocolate can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by up to 35%.

An indispensable gift on Valentine's Day, chocolate has many health benefits that many people do not know. Photo: Womenfitness.

Good for the skin

Flavonols in dark chocolate can protect skin from sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin elasticity.

Losing weight

According to neuroscientist Will Clower (USA), a small piece of chocolate melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal can create hormones in the brain that make you feel full, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed later. In addition, it also curbs cravings for snacks high in sugar, fat or salt.

Good for pregnant women and babies

A Finnish study found that pregnant women who eat chocolate regularly will have less stress, and their children will be happier and smile more than those of mothers who do not eat chocolate.

Prevent diabetes

Several studies have shown that cocoa can improve insulin sensitivity. Therefore, eating chocolate in moderation may help you delay or prevent the development of diabetes.

Improve memory

Flavanols are nutrients that can reduce memory loss in the elderly and anti-inflammatory substances that are beneficial in treating brain injuries. Both of these substances are found in dark chocolate. Scientists at Harvard Medical School found that drinking 2 cups of hot chocolate a day can protect blood flow in the brain and prevent memory loss in the elderly.

Promote better morale

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a chemical your brain produces when you are happy, such as when you are in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, which make you feel happy and optimistic.

According to Zing