7 Outstanding Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

We already know that dark chocolate is healthier than white chocolate and milk chocolate; but, did you know that dark chocolate is full of nutrients that can significantly impact your health? In fact, one ounce of raw dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

At Righteously Raw, we believe that raw dark chocolate isn’t a guilty pleasure; it comes with countless health benefits. Here’s 7 outstanding health benefits of real dark chocolate – not processed or sweetened with any sugars:

1. Dark Chocolate is Highly Nutritious

If you buy real dark chocolate that isn’t processed and sweetened with any milks or sugars, then it’s actually highly nutritious. Raw dark chocolate contains a large amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. For example, a 100 gram bar of dark chocolate that’s 70-85% cocoa has about 11 grams of fiber and plenty of potassium, zinc, and selenium.

2. Dark Chocolate is an Excellent Source of Antioxidants

Dark chocolate is full of organic compounds that function as antioxidants, which include flavanols, polyphenols, and more. One study revealed that raw cocoa and dark chocolate actually have higher antioxidant levels than blueberries and açaí berries. It is, however, important to consume the raw, unprocessed cocoa beans to receive the full health benefits.

3. Dark Chocolate May Improve Blood Pressure

Dark chocolate contains several bioactive compounds that can strengthen your blood flow and lower blood pressure. There are multiple controlled trials revealing that raw, unprocessed dark chocolate can aid blood flow in the arteries and decrease the risk of high blood pressure.

4. Dark Chocolate May Lower the Risk for Heart Disease

Consuming raw dark chocolate may improve several factors of heart disease, such as decreasing your oxidized LDL cholesterol levels. Oxidized LDL means that the LDL, which is “bad” cholesterol, has reacted with free radicals. Dark chocolate also contains plentiful antioxidants that protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage, and lower the risk of heart disease.

5. Dark Chocolate May Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

The essential compounds in raw dark chocolate may cause much less cholesterol to build up in your arteries, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the long term, you may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 50% by consuming raw dark chocolate, according to this observational study. The compounds in dark chocolate are also highly protective against LDL oxidation.

6. Dark Chocolate May Strengthen Your Skin

Raw dark chocolate’s bioactive compounds may also be excellent for your skin. The antioxidants can strengthen your skin and protect against sun damage, improve the skin’s blood flow, and increase skin density. If you’re planning a trip to the beach anytime soon, consider eating raw, unprocessed dark chocolate before.

7. Dark Chocolate May Improve Brain and Memory Functions

Last but not least, dark chocolate may improve brain and memory functions. According to one study, healthy volunteers revealed that 5 days of consuming high-flavanol cocoa improved the brain’s blood flow. Raw cocoa may also greatly improve cognitive functions in elderly people with mental deficiencies.

At Righteously Raw, we specialize in real dark chocolate and cocoa beans, and make efforts to stay healthy. Please call us today at (760) 734-1867 to learn more about our nutritious dark chocolate.