If you are selective about the type of chocolate you purchase, you might be gaining quite a few health benefits. Dark chocolate, made with high content of cocoa has actual nutritional value. For instance, it has fiber, iron, copper, zinc and several other minerals. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and can have more than blueberries or acai berries.
The flavonoids that are in dark chocolate stimulate the endothelium which is the lining inside arteries. When stimulated, they start to produce nitric oxide which causes the arteries to relax. This means lower blood pressure and increased blood flow. Some studies are showing that dark chocolate (made with real cocoa) can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It can also improve brain function because of the increased blood flow to the brain. Cocoa might improve cognitive function for the elderly as well as improving verbal fluency. This may mean it helps prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia.
There have also been a few studies that have shown dark chocolate may reduce insulin levels which means it might be beneficial for diabetics and helping to control blood sugars. Participants who ate dark chocolate for 15 days saw insulin drop by about half. If insulin sensitivity can be controlled, it may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes. Chocolate might be helpful in controlling insulin levels.