When is chocolate day celebrated?
What are the dark chocolate health benefits? Why is it so good for you? There are several reasons for eating dark chocolate but the two most important are: dark chocolate ingredients, and dark chocolate contains a lot of healthy antioxidants compared to other types of foods. Before we know the dark chocolate benefits let’s find out about the world chocolate day and valentine’s chocolate day and why they are the most cherished days of the year and some interesting facts about chocolate.
Why do we celebrate world chocolate day?
On 7th July every year, world chocolate day is celebrated to make chocolate lovers indulge in their favourite delicious treats and dessert without feeling guilty. As the name says world chocolate day, it is observed all around the world to acknowledge the different types of chocolate and benefits of chocolate.
Significance of chocolate day on valentines day
Chocolate day is celebrated on February 9 by all age groups by exchanging chocolates on this day. Chocolates are something that makes most people happy, they satisfy a sweet tooth and are perfect to break the ice. But do you know there are advantages of eating chocolates? Yes! They are a good source of antioxidants, good for your heart, can improve blood glow, boost your mood and protect your skin from the sun.
In the valentine’s week chocolate symbolises never ending love for your beloved and people gift them and express the same. Main Chocolate types are: white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate.
Interesting Facts About Chocolate
Chocolate is good for health but do you know some amazing facts about chocolate? No? That’s okay, here are the facts that you probably didn’t know.
- One amazing benefit of chocolate is it is known to be a powerful mental stimulant.
- Chocolate has more than 600 flavour compounds
- Around 1400 BC chocolate was used to create alcohol drinks.
- First solid chocolate was invented in Britain in 1847.
- Cacao beans were loved and valued by The Aztecs so much that they used it as a currency.
Dark Chocolate Benefits
Loaded With Antioxidants
One of the primary benefits of eating dark chocolate is, it is loaded with plenty of naturally healthy active phytonutrients called flavonoids. These chemicals act as powerful antioxidants, which help in protecting the body from free radicals. As a result the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes can be significantly decreased. Dark chocolate contains an almost perfect balance of flavonoids and other antioxidants, which means it can help lower your risks of developing these diseases. Dark chocolate also has more than enough dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and Vitamin E to boost your immune system.
Improves Cognitive Function
According to a study eating dark chocolate bars led to an improvement in cognitive function, which includes attention, focus, memory, and mood. The study tested the ability of two different groups of volunteers. One group ate a diet low in saturated fat, while the other group ate a high-fat diet. What the scientists found was that the dark chocolate group had a significant improvement in mood and cognition. Indulging in dark chocolate this chocolate day can help you achieve some dark chocolate benefits.
Increase Production of White Blood Cells
Another powerful benefit of dark chocolate is that it helps increase the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are necessary to fight off infections, which are one of the major causes of hypertension. In fact, most doctors will recommend at least a moderate intake of dairy products along with dark chocolate. The amount of dairy products you should eat is determined by your individual body type and calcium level.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Another study suggests that eating dark chocolate may also improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells are unable to use the sugar glucose properly. High amounts of glucose in the blood lead to diabetes.
Better Oral Health
White milk chocolate has high sugar content which can cause cavities, whereas dark chocolate is quite the opposite, it contains a good amount of theobromine, a compound that helps in fighting bacteria and tooth decay and improves your oral health, another important benefit of eating chocolate.
Things to consider when buying dark chocolate for good health benefits
Are you excited to try a variety of chocolates or different types of chocolate? But while buying keep these 2 main tips in mind.
- Go for the one that has at least 70% dark chocolate, as it will have the most flavonols.
- Avoid the one with butter fat, vegetable oils and artificial colors and flavours.
Conclusion
There have been many studies done on the dark chocolate health benefits. All of them have concluded that eating dark chocolate in moderation is beneficial to the heart, brain, and other bodily functions. Also, there are no side effects of dark chocolate when consumed in moderation.
If you are not a fan of eating chocolate bars, you can try including cocoa or chocolate into your smoothie and protein shakes, oatmeal or homemade granola or drinking chocolate. There are many dark chocolate uses that you can try. How are you celebrating chocolate day this year? Which chocolate do you prefer? Have you tried chocolate making? If you have some delicious recipe, share it with us!
