Dark Chocolate: The Healthiest Snack Imaginable

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. These compounds can help protect your body against the damaging effects of free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. It can even have more antioxidants than fruits like blueberries!

Dark chocolate can also improve blood flow & lower blood pressure. Studies show that the bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Dark chocolate is a good source of iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body, magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and heart health, and zinc plays a role in immune function.

Did you know that dark chocolate can also protect you from the sun in a much healthier way than sunscreen? The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure.

Studies have shown that MED can increase and even double after consuming high-flavanol dark chocolate or cocoa for 12 weeks. The result is that your skin has better protection from the sun.

The cocoa in dark chocolate has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. 

As well as this, some studies have also shown that consuming dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As a snack, dark chocolate is great because it is a good source of fibre, which can help improve digestion and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.

The caffeine and theobromine in dark chocolate can give you a boost of energy and alertness, making it a healthier alternative to ultra processed energy drinks or caffeine pills if you’re trying to stay more awake.

It's important to remember that dark chocolate is still a high-fat food and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re snacking, aim for 1-2 ounces of dark chocolate to reap the health benefits without overindulging.