Happy munching: A dark chocolate a day can keep the doctor away

Craving for chocolates, but don't want to gain those extra pounds? Worry not! Go for a dark chocolate, which contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Physicians suggest dark chocolates are good for the heart, and they help reduce cardiovascular ailments as they contain potassium and copper. High in iron content, dark chocolates also cure anaemia. Whereas, magnesium prevents high blood pressure, and diabetes.

An online study indicates that a person should consume two or three grams of sweet candies a week to reap its health benefits. The research also suggests that if you eat a bit of dark chocolate as a dessert after your meals, it is likely to curb weight gain. Following are the benefits of dark chocolates.

Controls blood pressure: Having little amounts of dark chocolates at least thrice a week improves blood flow and prevents blood clotting. It also lowers blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Good for brain: Since it improves the blood flow in the body, it helps improve cognitive function, and also reduces the risk of a stroke. Dark chocolates contain Phenylethylamine (PEA). It's the same chemical that our brain creates when a person falls in love. The chemical helps the brain to release endorphins, which results in making a person happier.

Controls blood sugar: Dark chocolates keep blood vessels healthy and help control diabetes. Dark chocolates contain a chemical called flavonoids which reduces insulin resistance and encourages body cells to function normally.

Loaded with antioxidants: Antioxidants help release free radicals, which damage cells. A human body develops free radicals when a person grows old. These radicals can also cause cancer. Dark chocolates lower down the signs of ageing and reduce cancer risks.
 

Reduces stress: Dark chocolates help reduce stress as it contains a good amount of cocoa, and cocoa helps reduce stress hormones.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona