Everyone losing weight does not allow often scold themselves for eating even a few pieces of their favorite treats. While bitter chocolate is allowed even for those who lose weight, milk chocolate has a bad reputation. But did you know that cocoa is a kind of superfood?  Recent studies show, even milk chocolate is good but only if it doesn’t contain various trans fats.

What are the benefits of black and milk chocolate for health, figure, and beauty? And what happens to our body and skin when we eat our favorite treat.

1. Chocolate Protects Heart Health

A 12-year study at universities of Aberdeen, Manchester, Cambridge, and East Anglia showed that people who eat up to 100 grams of chocolate per day are 11% less likely to face heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular diseases than people who don’t eat it at all. Scientists obtained such data after studying gastronomic habits of almost 158 ​​thousand respondents.

The reason for this is flavonoids, a type of antioxidant found in chocolate, tea, and red wine that can help stimulate blood flow and eliminate harmful substances called free radicals. Free radicals destroy cells, causing various diseases. Most flavonoids are found in bitter chocolate (at least 70% cocoa).

2. Enhances Brain Function

Chocolate is one of the biggest natural sources of magnesium, a mineral necessary for brain health. Cocoa beans also contain caffeine (about 43 mg per 100 g of dark chocolate), so even consuming a few pieces a day can increase concentration and alertness. By the way, cocoa also improves brain function and invigorates, being a healthy alternative to coffee. 

The key chemical compound in chocolate, theobromine, has a stimulating effect on the brain comparable to caffeine but less harmful.

A study published in the 2013 Neurology magazine found that people who drank two cups of cocoa a day for a month increased blood flow to the brain by an average of 8%, which noticeably improved cognitive activity.

3. Improves Teeth Health

Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is good for your teeth. In 2007, American scientists found that theobromine, a stimulant found in chocolate, strengthens tooth enamel more effectively than fluoride. This protects teeth from erosion caused by acids.

Unfortunately, theobromine, a substance obtained from beans used to make chocolate, has a bitter taste. However, eating chocolate is good for teeth. But French dentists recommend eating chocolate after a meal. You will be surprised, but chocolate naturally contains fluorine and even less sugar than an apple. Moreover, cocoa also contains substances that fight bacteria in the oral cavity.

4. Chocolate Keeps Skin Healthy

Our skin is a reflection of our internal health.  Eating healthy helps us achieve radiant skin, especially eating dark chocolate (70% cocoa). Dark chocolate hydrates the skin relieves acne, t and reduces wrinkles. Chocolate is not enough to fight all these problems. You should still consult a dermatologist, but it can be used as an adjuvant.

Cocoa is one of the richest natural sources of manganese. Manganese helps the absorption of nutrients and the production of sex hormones. The antioxidants in chocolate prevent premature aging. They protect cells from damage by free radicals and even ultraviolet rays.

5. Helps Maintain Weight

It is unlike that you will lose weight while eating chocolate bars and lying on the bed. But do not refuse to eat chocolate at all since it has an almost magical metabolism-boosting property. A 2012 study by the University of California among 1,000 adults found that those who ate chocolate up to two times a week had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who refused to eat chocolate. The study also found that people who regularly consumed chocolate consumed less sugar during the day.