Dark chocolate lower blood pressure.
I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I know many including my husband who loves sweets.
As he is aware that sugar is not good for health, he satisfies his craves by having dark chocolates as it is proven to be healthy. The best alternative for chocolate lovers’ isn’t it?
We all have heard, read, known that dark chocolate is beneficial in many ways – mood swings, stress, skin, but the main advantage of indulging in dark chocolates are the healthy heart benefits.
According to the studies, eating a small square of dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, a compound that acts as an antioxidant and helps to keep your heart healthy and prevent diseases.
Which dark chocolate is healthy?
The higher the cocoa content in chocolate, the more flavonoids and the greater the health benefits. Therefore, choose the healthiest chocolate that contains at least 60-70% cocoa.
These chocolates will be bitter as it contains less sugar meant only for flavour, but they contain healthy amount in flavonoids. So gradually build up your taste for it and always read the label to know the percentage if you care about your health.
So now you don’t have to make that grumpy face when you have to follow a healthy diet, dark chocolate is at your rescue.
Let’s read on to know a few of the dark chocolate benefits for a healthy heart that will keep your blood pressure in control.
1) Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure
A normal blood pressure level is 120/80mmHg.
- Low BP below 90/60mmHg
- High BP above 140/90mmHg
Aforementioned, dark chocolate has been found helpful in lowering blood pressure. The flavanols in dark chocolate can increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) which sends a signal to the arteries to relax, improves the blood flow, and consequently reduces blood pressure.
Dark chocolate also contains healthy minerals like zinc & potassium which are good in controlling blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension.
ALSO READ:How To Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms?
2) Dark Chocolate May Affect Cholesterol
2 types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol in our blood:
- LDL (bad cholesterol)
- HDL (good cholesterol)
LDL should be less and HDL should be more to prevent heart diseases.
The researchers have found that dark chocolate significantly decreases LDL cholesterol level and a small increase in HDL cholesterol level.
Cocoa consumption improves heart health and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
3) Healthy Heart
As dark chocolate affects cholesterol levels, it will keep the arteries healthy and unclogged.
Many studies indicate regular eating of dark chocolate reduces the risk of heart disease.
4) Lowers stroke risk & improve brain function
Some studies reveal that eating high cocoa content can improve the blood flow to the brain. It can also improve cognitive function in older adults.
As dark chocolate lowers the bad cholesterol resulting in healthy arteries of the brain, it is also has been linked with a reduced risk of stroke.
ALSO READ: Cholesterol Test: What you need to know?
5) Reduce insulin resistance
The flavonoids in dark chocolate can reduce insulin resistance and the risk for diabetes.
It also improves insulin insensitivity.
No doubt cocoa can provide powerful health benefits. It is known for its healthy heart nutrients and helps in balancing blood pressure. Just remember to eat it in moderation.
You can buy the best dark chocolate in India from BeeTee’s Melt. Their dark chocolate contains 72% cocoa goodness.
Apart from dark chocolate, they also have coconut and milk chocolates. All of their chocolates are completely gluten-free, soy-free, have no preservatives, and are environment friendly.
The best thing I liked about them is the transparency. You can see the percentage of cocoa on the package itself which makes it easy to buy them. So good, isn’t it?
Further, festivals are here and it’s the best time to gift these chocolates to your loved ones and savor them. It’s good in taste and of course a healthier sweet option.
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Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9
- https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/5-reasons-chocolate-good-you-12272567
*Disclaimer: This post is meant for educational purposes only.
