Dark Chocolate Health Benefits

Who can resist a piece of sweet, rich, indulgent piece of chocolate? The seemingly sinful dark chocolate which we always link with guilty pleasures can actually be quite good for your health. Read on to know more about dark chocolate health benefits.

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which grow on cocoa trees and require a tropical humid climate for its growth. There are three major varieties of cocoa beans that are cultivated throughout the world. They are criollo, trinitario and forastero, of which forastero is most widely cultivated. The cocoa beans are first crushed and then fermented for about a week, outdoors. After the fermentation process the beans are dried in the sun for a week and then it is roasted in huge revolving drums at above 350 degree centigrade. Thereafter the outer shells of the beans are removed. The inner nib is heated, melting the cocoa butter, which is then ground to a smooth paste called chocolate liquor.

Dark chocolate is made by combining chocolate liquor with sugar and cocoa butter. There are many dark chocolate health benefits.

Healthy Heart

Recent research has shown that there are various nutritional benefits of dark chocolates. Dark chocolate helps in relaxing the arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure. Chocolates contain a substance called polyphenol flavonoids which is also found in some fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes, soybeans green tea and red wine. But the percentage of polyphenol flavanoids present in dark chocolates is much higher, and they are very important to heart health as they deactivate free radicals. These free radicals increase the amount of bad cholesterol present in your blood, leading to clogged arteries.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

It has been discovered that having a bit of dark chocolate regularly can help in regulating blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. However it should be noted that dark chocolate consumption should be done in moderation, because chocolates are high in saturated fat and calorie.

Feel Good Factor

There are certain compounds in dark chocolates that enhance our mood and induces pleasure. It contains theobromine which is a natural stimulant and is much milder than caffeine found in coffee. Dark chocolate promotes the production of endorphins and other chemicals in the brain. All these chemicals help to induce a sense of euphoria in a person, thereby uplifting his mood. Serotonin is also contained in dark chocolate which acts as an antidepressant. It has been found that eating about ten grams of dark chocolate a day for three weeks helps in reducing stress hormone levels in a person.

Regulation of Blood Sugar

Unlike other sweets and candies, dark chocolate has a low glycemic index. This means that eating dark chocolate causes a slow release of blood sugar in your blood stream, preventing a sudden hike in blood sugar followed by a crash. The antioxidants present in dark chocolate helps in improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. For people with a high risk of diabetes, the flavonoids help to regulate blood sugar levels. Read more about health benefits of dark chocolates.

Dark Chocolate Recipe

As there are many health benefits of eating dark chocolates, here are two easy dark chocolate recipes that you can make at home.

Dark Chocolate Sorbet

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups water

2 tablespoons of good quality amaretto

100 gms of fine dark chocolate

1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

Heat the sugar with 2 tablespoon of water in a wide bottomed saucepan until the sugar is caramelized. Pour the rest of the water and stir continuously until you get a thick consistency. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler with a little salt. After it cools down to room temperature place this in an ice bath. Transfer this chocolate in an airtight container and freeze it for 4 hours. When this chocolate mixture is partially set pour in the amaretto and the caramelized sugar. Process this sorbet in a food processor and then freeze for around two hours until it's firm. Serve in a waffle cone.

Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

100 gms dark chocolate, chopped

4 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup cream

2 large eggs

1 tbsp milk

Method

Combine the dark chocolate and milk in a double boiler. Heat it over medium heat stirring often, until the chocolate melts completely. Separate the egg yolks and whisk it with the sugar in a large bowl until it's creamy and frothy. Slowly whisk in the chocolate mixture.

In a bowl whip the cream until stiff peaks are formed. Fold in the chocolate mixture in the cream. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed, and stir some of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Spoon into individual shot glasses. Cover the mousse and refrigerate for 2 hours, until chilled. Garnish the mousse with grated dark chocolate and chocolate chips and serve chilled. Read more on dark chocolate ingredients .

Know some more Facts about Chocolate.

So these were the dark chocolate health benefits. However, chocolates are a very high source of calories and unsaturated fats, and so its consumption should be limited. It should be a part of a balanced diet that contains an assortment of flavonoid-rich food like green tea, tomatoes and berries. Dark chocolate health benefits have made it possible for chocolate lovers to indulge in their sweet tooth without any feelings of guilt.