Dark Chocolate: A Snack That Helps Nourish a Healthy Heart

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• Jan 7, 2025 | Kabita Pathak

To gain the most benefits opt for true-dark chocolate that contains not less than 70 percent cocoa since higher cocoa products have more flavanols…

Digital Desk: This sweet delicacy  isn’t  exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think ‘heart friendly foods’, but dark chocolate has a whole lot of disease combating antioxidants necessary to regulate the heart. Research indicates that dark chocolate in reasonable portion size and with limited sugar or saturated fat presents health benefits.

“When taken in small portions and on a consistent basis, dark chocolate is not bad for your health,” says Dr. Poulina Uddin, a cardiologist at Scripps Clinic. “But one
must practice moderation because chocolate contains many calories and can cause one to gain weight.”

Flavanols in dark chocolate work against inflammation processes and free radicals, which contribute to cancers and other diseases including heart diseases. Studies
reveal that Dark chocolate it can cause a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in blood flow, and a decrease in the LDL cholesterol commonly referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It also makes blood platelets less able to stick together, lowering the probability of blood clots that lead to stroke or heart attack.

 
According to the study, dark chocolate can be taken together with raw almonds and cocoa if the aim is to reduce LDL. Other benefits include decreasing insulin resistance and the chronic inflammation processes that both lower one’s diabetes and heart disease risks.

To gain the most benefits opt for true-dark chocolate that contains not less than 70
percent cocoa since higher cocoa products have more flavanols. However, keep portions small—a standard dark chocolate bar has approx 600 Calories and 24 grams of sugar.

 
Structured flavanols found in milk and white chocolate don’t offer the same benefits given processing which takes out most of them.

However, to avail the benefits of dark chocolate on the heart people need to have proper diet with exercise routines. “Taking it once or twice a day is good enough,” according to Dr. Uddin.

 
Exercise regularly, have proper weight, and always visit your doctor for your heart’s health while enjoying this semi-sweet delight.