It is no secret that while chocolate is an enjoyable food, it should also be enjoyed in moderation. You probably don’t think of chocolate as being particularly healthy, due to its high sugar and fat content. However, while milk chocolate should probably be reserved for treat time, dark chocolate is something of a dark horse. It is calorific, yes, but is also packed full of good things which can bring notable health benefits. So rejoice, chocoholics! You can enjoy chocolate without the guilt. Dark chocolate can actually have a positive impact on your body.

So, what are the benefits?

  • Good source of nutrients

Dark chocolate is crammed full of important nutrients. High-quality dark chocolate, with a higher percentage of cocoa content, is a great source of soluble fibre and minerals like iron and magnesium. It is important to note, however, that all these important minerals come with a hefty 600 calories (per 100g bar) and high-fat content. But, as dark chocolate has a far richer flavour than milk chocolate, you will probably consume less of it at a time. 

  • High in antioxidants

When your body breaks down food, it produces molecules called free radicals, which in large numbers can lead to cell damage (accelerating the ageing process) and a range of diseases. To keep them under control, your body needs antioxidants. Thankfully, dark chocolate is packed full of these. In fact, a recent study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had a higher level of antioxidants than any other fruits tested (including blueberries and acai berries, which are often heralded as being the top source of antioxidants).

  • Lowers blood pressure

Several studies have also shown that the consumption of dark chocolate helps to improve blood flow and can lower blood pressure (to a small degree). This is because dark chocolate is high in flavanols, which stimulate the linings of arteries to produce nitric oxide (NO). NO then sends signals to the arteries to relax, therefore lowering the resistance to blood flow and reducing blood pressure. 

  • Decreased risk of heart disease

Dark chocolate can also lower the risk of heart disease, by boosting HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol) and reducing LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol). The high numbers of antioxidants present in dark chocolate help stop the LDL cholesterol from reacting with the free radicals created when the body breaks food down. As well as this, dark chocolate has also been found to reduce insulin resistance; this is another common risk factor for conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

  • Could protect skin from sun damage

The flavanols present in dark chocolate improve blood flow to the skin, increasing its density and improving hydration. Your skin contains a degree of protection from the sun already, known as its minimal erythemal dose (MED). This is the minimum amount of UV rays your skin can handle before they cause redness. According to a study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate on a regular basis, over a period of 12 weeks.

Final thoughts

There are many notable benefits to dark chocolate, the list above details only some of them. It is nutritious and full of important antioxidants and minerals which our bodies need to stay healthy. However, it is important to note that although there are lots of good things in dark chocolate, there are still a large number of calories and saturated fats (the bad kind). Perhaps limit yourself to a square or two of dark chocolate after dinner; if you go for the higher-quality chocolate brands, that may well be all you need.