Dark Chocolates,4 Benefits Of Dark Chocolate You Must Know,

Dark Chocolates May Reduce Stress and Inflammation.

Dark Chocolate Can Reduce Stress And Make You Smarter, Research Finds

Consuming dark chocolate can reduce stress and inflammation, as well as improve memory, immunity and mood, results from experimental trials have shown.

This is due to the high concentration of cacao -- a major source of flavonoids.

The flavonoids found in cacao are extremely potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, with known mechanisms beneficial for brain and cardiovascular health, the researchers said.

Experimental Biology 2018 annual meeting in San Diego show that consuming dark chocolate that has a high concentration of cacao (minimally 70% cacao, 30% organic cane sugar) has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation, mood, memory and immunity.

Lee S. Berk, DrPH, associate dean of research affairs, School of Allied Health Professions and a researcher in psychoneuroimmunology and food science from Loma Linda University, served as principal investigator on both studies

"For years, we have looked at the influence of dark chocolate on neurological functions from the standpoint of sugar content -- the more sugar, the happier we are," said lead investigator Lee S. Berk, from Loma Linda University in California, US. 

"This is the first time that we have looked at the impact of large amounts of cacao in doses as small as a regular-sized chocolate bar in humans over short or long periods of time, and are encouraged by the findings," Berk added.

Further, dark chocolate was also found to affect human gene expression. It regulates cellular immune response, neural signalling, and sensory perception.

To examine the results better, the team assessed the electroencephalography (EEG) response to consuming 48 g of dark chocolate (70 percent cacao) after an acute period of time (30 minutes) and after a chronic period of time (120 minutes), on modulating brain frequencies 0-40Hz, specifically beneficial gamma frequency (25-40Hz).

Benefits Of Dark Chocolate You Must Know 

1. Lowers Blood Pressure - Several studies suggests that the high magnesium content in dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure.

 It is also said that eating dark chocolate raises the level of nitric oxide in your body.

Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring substance in your body that acts on small receptors in our blood vessels and helps them dilate thereby lowering overall blood pressure.

2. Lowers Cholesterol - Studies show that moderate amounts of dark chocolate can lower LDL which is bad cholesterol and raise HDL which is good cholesterol.

This in turn helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and a stroke. 

3. Curbs Cravings - Research proves that dark chocolates have high satiety value and therefore they make you feel full for a longer time. They are packed with MUFA'S (monounsaturated fatty acids) that are known to boost your metabolism and burn fat.

4. Keeps Your Weight in Check- By keeping your cravings in check, the dark chocolate may assist you in your weight loss goals.

A 2012 study conducted by the University of California looked at the diet of 1000 Americans found that those who ate dark chocolate a few times a week were on an average, slimmer than those who ate it occasionally. The researchers went on to say that even though dark chocolate is loaded with calories, it contains ingredients that may favour weight-loss.

Only certain types of dark chocolate? Which ones do they mean?

The chocolate products we consume are made from seeds that are derived from the cacao tree. The study attributed numerous health benefits to dark chocolate which contains a high concentration of cacao (at a minimum, 70 percent cacao).

Cocoa plant is a small (4 to 8 m height) evergreen tree. In India, it is mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu mainly as intercrop with Arecanut and Coconut. Slowly the area under cultivation is being promoted by many chocolate producing companies as contract farming.

In the second study, the researchers analyzed brain activity and measured the electroencephalography (EEG) response in people who consumed 48 grams of dark chocolate containing 70 percent cacao. The results showed an "enhanced neuroplasticity for behavioral and brain benefits" which meant that it could improve memory and learning abilities.