Hey, all you chocolate lovers out there… This one is especially for you.

Eating chocolate makes us nostalgic and takes us back to all those beautiful childhood memories when our parents would pat us on our back and reward us with a chocolate bar…those were the blissful days. Chocolate is a great mood elevator, an instant comfort food and an energy booster in times of extreme stress. In happy times the consumption of chocolate increases our happiness manifold.

Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or more is your best bet. Let us understand the scientifically proven health benefits of eating dark chocolate.

1.) Improves Blood Flow- Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids which stimulate the lining of arteries called endothelium to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas which sends signals to the arteries to relax. So there is a lower resistance to blood flow which leads to a reduction in blood pressure. Also, the bioactive compounds in cocoa improve blood flow to the arteries.

2.) Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease- It has been found that cocoa powder increases HDL ie the good cholesterol and lowers oxidised LDL ie the bad cholesterol. Oxidised LDL is even more damaging because this is the LDL which has reacted with free radicals making the LDL capable of damaging the arterial lining of the heart. Dark chocolate lowers the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative damage and prevents arteriosclerosis ie the hardening of arteries.

3.) Improves Brain Function- Cocoa contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine which improve brain function. Consuming dark chocolate improves blood flow to the brain thereby reducing the risk of stroke. Studies show that cocoa improves cognitive functioning in mentally impaired people.

4.) Helps To Prevent Diabetes- Dark chocolate has a low glycemic index so it does not cause spikes in sugar levels. Studies have shown that cocoa improves insulin sensitivity. So dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can prevent the onset of diabetes.

5.) Reduces Stress- Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine which encourages the brain to release feel-good endorphins. Endorphins have a calming effect thereby reducing stress and making us happy. Eating 1-2 squares of dark chocolate every day reduces stress levels significantly.

6.) Good For Teeth- Dark chocolate is rich in theobromine which plays a role in hardening of the tooth enamel. The husk of cocoa beans contains antibacterial compounds which inhibit the formation of plague thereby resisting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

7.) Helps Fight Fatigue- Dark chocolate provides instant energy in times of exhaustion and fatigue owing to the small amount of sugar present in it.

8.) Other Benefits include – Dark Chocolate is known to be packed with antioxidants so it is great for the skin and boosts our immune system. Also for people who are on a diet and crave for something sweet, dark chocolate is one of the choices they can make.

A WORD OF CAUTION- A bar of 100 grams of dark chocolate provides about 600 calories. So it is best consumed in moderation like 1-2 squares a day to enjoy its benefits without pumping in extra calories. So all you chocolate lovers go ahead and savour this delicacy delicately. No scoffing on it, please!!