Yum V's Multi-Vitamin Plus Mineral Formula Milk Chocolate, 60 Count

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The more ‘good’ microbes there are in your system, the better your body is able to absorb nutrients and support a healthy metabolism. 10 Past research has found that during digestion, chocolate behaves like a prebiotic (not to be confused with probiotic), a type of fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The more “good” microbes are in your system, the better your body is able to absorb nutrients as well as support a healthy metabolism, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. We discuss the potential benefits of dark chocolate for these two risk factors and others below: Blood pressure The meta-analysis demonstrated a consistent (but small) effect: lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings by 1.8 mmHg.

Expectant moms in the study ate around one ounce of dark chocolate a day, which is the equivalent of a bar of chocolate or 54 chocolate chips. However, because dark chocolate can be high in saturated fat and sugar, it’s best to have it as an occasional treat and as part of a balanced diet. 19This study was a cross-sectional survey using data from 13,626 adults participating in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Most notably, this survey found that adults consuming dark chocolate had a significantly lower risk of suffering from symptoms of depression ( 35). The flavanols in dark chocolate stimulate nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, or widen, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

Although dark chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants and minerals, it is usually also high in sugar and fat, which makes it a very calorie-dense food. Sunlight offers a beneficial boost to vitamin D and nitric oxide levels. However, too much UV exposure is potentially damaging to our skin in terms of aging and— possibly —skin cancer risk.Dark chocolate has a lot of sugar, fat, and calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume no more than 25-36 grams of added sugar per day, depending on your gender and size. Jafarirad, S., et al. (2018). Dark chocolate effect on serum adiponectin, biochemical and inflammatory parameters in diabetic patients: A randomized clinical trial. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Mainly due to the milk content, riboflavin aids cellular function, energy production, and helps maintain healthy skin and eyesight. It is also sometimes referred to as “extra dark,” and due to the higher proportion of cocoa solids, it contains a lot less sugar. Unsweetened The flavanols in dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for diseases like heart disease and diabetes ( 12).

It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidation-prone forms of LDL. It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage ( 3).The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends pregnant women keep their caffeine intake below 200mg a day.

Vitamin D: While chocolate isn’t a significant source of Vitamin D, traces can be found, which is essential for bone health and calcium absorption. However, the dose of dark chocolate (and potentially the duration of intake) is likely important in this regard. In a study published in October 2017 in the Journal of Community and Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, the flavonoids in dark chocolate were found to reduce oxidative stress, which scientists think is the primary cause of insulin resistance. By improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin, resistance is reduced, and in turn the risk of diseases like diabetes decreases. A further randomized and controlled double-blind study of sixty individuals had participants consume 25 grams of dark chocolate per day for eight weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in blood pressure ( 26).Key Point: Dark chocolate is one of the most polyphenol-rich foods in the human diet. Different Categories of Dark Chocolate Interestingly, various studies have demonstrated that flavonoids—a type of polyphenol present in chocolate—may help to prevent LDL particles from oxidizing ( 17, 18).