{"id":1604,"date":"2022-10-18T04:39:20","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T04:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shantisom.com\/?p=1604"},"modified":"2022-10-18T05:53:18","modified_gmt":"2022-10-18T05:53:18","slug":"5-proven-health-benefits-of-chocolate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shantisom.dagobah.hybrit.dev\/en\/blog\/2022\/10\/18\/5-proven-health-benefits-of-chocolate\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Proven Health Benefits of Chocolate"},"content":{"rendered":"

In case you needed another reason to fit more chocolaty goodness into your day, we are here to share some incredible health benefits of chocolate! The list of amazing health benefits is long and impressive, so we’ve picked the top 5 benefits for physical health, mental health, and healing our relationship with food.<\/p>\n

It is important to note some kinds of chocolate have health benefits, but not all. The details matter! At Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat<\/a>, we’re all about a healthy happy lifestyle, which definitely includes dessert in our lives! We simply need to have the knowledge and understanding of how to make better food choices. Our Wellness Team takes a closer look at the properties behind cocao and our favourite sweet craving \u2013 chocolate. We’ve also included 2 of our favourite recipes that are so easy and fast to make. Perfect for when you need that after meal satisfaction, but looking for a healthier option.<\/p>\n

What is Chocolate, Cocao and Cacoa<\/h2>\n

Chocolate comes from the tropical cacao tree. The cacao bean, the rawest form of chocolate, can be harvested and consumed directly (cacao), roasted and turned into powder (cocoa) or made into chocolate.<\/p>\n

Raw cacao is a bona fide superfood, complete with powerful phytonutrients<\/a>, antioxidants<\/a>, and unique plant-based compounds that are found in only a handful of other foods on the planet. Now raw cacao may not be that sweet treat you are craving, but it is the precursor to chocolate! Whilst chocolate does offer some\u00a0<\/em>of the superfood health benefits of cacao, it\u2019s important to know that not all \u201cchocolate,\u201d \u201ccocoa,\u201d and \u201ccacao\u201d products are equal. \u00a0If you want to maximize the cacao benefits for your body, you\u2019ve got to know what to look for.<\/p>\n

Often, the terms \u201ccocoa\u201d and \u201ccacao\u201d are used interchangeably and inconsistently, so it\u2019s important to read the labels and inform yourself of what\u2019s really used in any products that you plan to buy. Generally, the term\u00a0\u201ccocoa\u201d\u00a0refers to a product that\u2019s\u00a0more processed\u00a0and has been heated, whereas \u201ccacao\u201d\u00a0describes products that are\u00a0less processed\u00a0and raw.<\/p>\n

Roasting reduces bitterness and enhances sweetness in the beans, which gives products like cocoa powder, hot cocoa, or chocolates the sweeter, chocolatier flavor that we know and love (often, along with some added sugar!) But, the heat of roasting also\u00a0destroys\u00a0phytonutrients and antioxidants, meaning\u00a0cocoa products don\u2019t offer the same level of raw cacao benefits because the nutrient content is lower.<\/p>\n

This is why raw cacao powder and cacao nibs are typically considered the healthier, more nutritious options.<\/p>\n

Are there Health Benefits to Chocolate?<\/h2>\n

Dark chocolate contains between 50-90% cocoa solids, whereas milk has between 10-50%. Recent research has shown that cocoa and dark chocolate may have cardiovascular benefits and may help prevent age-related cognitive decline, improving attention, brain processing speed and working memory.<\/p>\n

Here are 5 key health benefits of dark chocolate:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Rich in Flavanols- The higher the cocoa solids, the more flavonoids<\/a> and the lower sugar. Flavanols have huge health benefits for your heart as it relaxes your blood vessels and improves blood flow. This protects against heart disease and cognition as you have more blood flow to the brain.<\/li>\n
  2. Important source of minerals- Dark chocolate is packed with iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and phosphorus. These are used to support immunity, keep bones and teeth healthy and contribute to better sleep.<\/li>\n
  3. Makes you feel good- Dark chocolate has been associated with feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. This feeling originates from antioxidants that lower cortisol, a stress hormone.<\/li>\n
  4. Cognitive function-\u00a0Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggested that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day could help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.\u00a0The researchers found that hot chocolate helped\u00a0improve blood flow\u00a0to parts of the brain where it was needed.<\/li>\n
  5. Protects Your Skin from Dehydration -The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help you stay protected under the sun. They increase hydration and skin density by improving the blood flow to the skin. But please, don\u2019t assume you\u2019ll need less water. You still need plenty of it!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How much Chocolate should you eat a day?<\/h2>\n

    We would recommend a serving of between 30 \u2013 60 grams. That\u2019s about three squares of a large chocolate bar. One misconception is that because there are health benefits you can eat as much as you want. However, chocolate is a high calorie food so moderation is still required. It is however the healthier choice if you\u2019re looking for a delicious way to end your meal.<\/p>\n

    Chocolate Recipes for Health Benefits<\/h2>\n

    Here are 2 of our all time favourite dark chocolate recipes that are ridiculously easy to make and will satisfy your sweet tooth. They are easy to keep so you can make it ahead when those cravings suddenly hit.<\/p>\n

    \"Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Vegan-and-paleo-friendly\"<\/p>\n

    Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Servings \u2013 4<\/p>\n

    Ingredients<\/span><\/p>\n