It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidation-prone forms of LDL. Accept All Reject All Show Cjocolate. DailyOM Courses.

Dark chocolate goodness -

Research from a meta-analysis shows that dark chocolate can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease—specifically, heart disease.

The same meta-analysis found that moderate consumption of dark chocolate also reduces the risk of stroke and the risk of diabetes. The heart-related dark chocolate benefits come from its high flavonoid content, which the American Heart Association says is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Other products have more sugar and fat with less heart-healthy flavanols. Your cholesterol count is made up of primarily two numbers: high-density lipoprotein HDL and low-density lipoprotein LDL.

If you have too much LDL bad cholesterol and not enough HDL good cholesterol , cholesterol will build up in the inner walls of the arteries, increasing your risk of certain diseases, like heart disease. Observational studies of patients with diabetes indicate that consuming dark chocolate results in a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and fasting blood sugar levels.

According to a review , flavonoids show the potential to improve HDL functioning via cellular antioxidant effects and reduced inflammation. Another study found that combining almonds with dark chocolate in a controlled manner reduces the number of certain LDL particles in the blood associated with coronary heart disease in obese and overweight people.

Data shows that the flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the body to produce nitric oxide in the endothelium, which helps relax the blood vessels, according to the Harvard T.

Chan School of Public Health. This ultimately improves blood flow in arteries and helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots, which is great news for people with hypertension. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants.

One study found it had even more than super fruits like blueberries and acai. According to Guzak, the antioxidant properties protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and may play a role in cancer prevention.

Erika Gray, Pharm. In fact, findings from a randomized controlled trial indicate that dark chocolate exerts a prebiotic effect, stimulating the growth of good gut bacteria. Because many people do not like the bitter taste of dark chocolate, they often choose milk chocolate or a bar of dark chocolate with a lower cacao percentage.

The problem is that the lower the cacao percentage, the more sugar is added to the product. Gray says. But too much of the good stuff can add excess calories and exacerbate some health conditions. These are the drawbacks. Dark chocolate is full of powerful nutrients that have a positive effect on your health, but it also has a higher caffeine content than milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Note: Caffeine can also interact with certain medications, such as Xanax. Ask your healthcare provider how much caffeine is safe to take while on prescription medications.

Be mindful of portion size when indulging in dark chocolate, as eating too much of it may result in weight gain and further health issues due to its calorie and saturated fat content. In addition, dark chocolate also contains sugar, which Guzak says can have the opposite effect on insulin sensitivity when eaten in excess.

RELATED: Best diet for weight loss. However, if you do indulge in a square or two, she recommends eating it in combination with calcium-rich foods to bind the oxalates during digestion. People living with gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD may want to avoid chocolate. The list of dark chocolate health benefits are impressive, but only if the percentage of cocoa solids is high enough.

The amount of dark chocolate you can include in a balanced diet depends on your current health and goals. Generally, a small square or two of dark chocolate every so often is enough to keep your sweet-tooth cravings in check.

It's important to choose high-quality dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids to reap the most antioxidant benefits. So go ahead and enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate guilt-free, knowing that you're doing your body a favor. Dark chocolate isn't just a treat for your taste buds; it could also be a boost for your brain.

Studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate can improve memory, concentration, and cognitive function. The flavonoids in dark chocolate may increase blood flow to the brain, which can result in improved cognition.

Additionally, the caffeine and theobromine in dark chocolate are both stimulants that can enhance alertness. So, the next time you need a little brain boost, consider reaching for a piece of dark chocolate. Not only will it be a satisfying treat, but it may also help you stay focused and sharp.

There's perhaps no sweeter news than discovering that something delicious is also good for you. And that, my friends, is exactly the case with dark chocolate. Not only is this decadent treat surprisingly low in sugar and calories compared to other confections, but it has significant heart benefits as well.

Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Additionally, studies have found that regular consumption of dark chocolate can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

So if you're looking for a delicious way to take care of your heart, reach for a bar of dark chocolate and savor every bite. Your heart will thank you for it! Satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling guilty has never been easier than with Marky's Gourmet Foods ' premium dark chocolates.

Our selection of rich, indulgent chocolates are sure to satisfy any craving, while also providing health benefits such as improved heart health and lower insulin resistance.

We take pride in our high quality ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring every bite is a delectable experience. So go ahead, treat yourself to guilt-free indulgence with Marky's Gourmet Foods' premium dark chocolates.

Your taste buds and your health will thank you.

Dark chocolate goodness chocolate is particularly beneficial for your gut. It provides fuel goodneas Dark chocolate goodness the growth gooness some of the gut's "good" bacteria. Fasting window and food choices some chocolate Dqrk better chocoalte us than others. The percentages of cocoa in dark chocolate vary greatly, and scientific studies show that only some dark chocolate, in certain quantities, may have significant benefits. The cocoa in dark chocolate is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it has potential benefits for your heart, brain, gut, and overall health.