3. Could Improve Blood Sugar Levels
One study showed that participants who had 5 or more servings of dark chocolate per week were 21 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
While many researchers agree dark chocolate possesses many health benefits, further study is needed to determine if there is a cause-and-effect relationship between chocolate consumption and diabetes risk.
4. May Help With Weight Loss and Gut Health
A daily chocolate habit probably seems like the opposite of what you should pursue in order to lose weight. And when it comes to high-sugar products, this is absolutely true. But dark chocolate is a different animal. Research suggests dark chocolate may in fact play a role in controlling appetite, which could help with weight loss.
Of course, eating more than the recommended amount per day can counteract any potential weight loss, and eating dark chocolate will not counteract the effects of an overall unhealthy diet.
One study found chocolate could aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and curbing appetite. The participant group was small, however (just 19 women), so further research is needed to corroborate those claims.
It’s also important to note chocolate, especially milk chocolate, is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
5. May Play a Role in Cancer Prevention
There’s limited evidence suggesting that dark chocolate could help protect against certain types of cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, a diet rich in flavonoids, which dark chocolate is full of, can help prevent the cell damage that is often the precursor to many cancers. That said, experts recommend getting your antioxidants from fruits and vegetables rather than chocolate.
Chocolate tends to be a good source of magnesium, as well, and one study found that the body’s immune cells can target abnormal or infected cells only in a magnesium-rich environment.
Still, most research is limited because it uses only animals or cell cultures, and the amount of chocolate needed to potentially yield preventive action against cancers is much higher than the daily recommended dose for humans.
6. Can Be Good for Your Skin
Dark chocolate is packed full of nutrients and minerals that are beneficial for your skin, like copper, iron, and magnesium, to name a few.
7. May Improve Cholesterol
Dark chocolate is often touted as a cholesterol-lowering food.
It’s also worth noting many of the studies on chocolate and good cholesterol are short-term, so it’s very premature to say that chocolate is a cholesterol cure-all. More studies are needed on the effects of dark chocolate and cholesterol.
8. Supplies a Host of Nutrients
But dark chocolate also contains a good chunk of calories and fat, so be mindful of your daily intake. Each brand of chocolate is also processed differently. It’s important to note that some recent studies have found heavy metals present in dark chocolate, even organic brands. We therefore recommend eating dark chocolate in smaller portions.
The Takeaway
- Dark chocolate offers a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, which could improve cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and blood sugar balance.
- There’s promising but limited evidence linking dark chocolate to weight loss and cancer prevention.
- In general, it’s best to enjoy dark chocolate in moderation and get your nutrients and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
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