PharmEasy Blog

Do You Know About These 5 Amazing Benefits Of Dark Chocolate?

”I hate chocolates!” said no one ever! Chocolate is a favourite food item and is associated with positive emotions. Dark chocolate is known to be rich in nutrients that are good for us. Derived from the cocoa tree seeds, dark chocolate is one of the best forms of natural antioxidants in nature. If one were to consume the organic form (i.e., not the regular ‘sugary sweet’ chocolates available in the local markets) of dark chocolate, it could help bring down the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Need more convincing? Read below to know the proven health benefits of dark chocolates:

1. It is Nutritious

A bar of high-quality dark chocolate will have a very high content of cocoa. It will also contain good amounts of soluble fibre and other minerals. E.g., if one buys a bar of 100 gm dark chocolate, it will have: In addition to these, it also contains zinc, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus. However, it should be eaten in moderation.

2. Good Fats and Fatty Acids

Cocoa in dark chocolate contains the right amount of fatty acids that are beneficial to us. It mostly contains saturated and mono-unsaturated fats with a tiny amount of polyunsaturated fat. Dark chocolate also contains caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants. However, they are not strong enough to cause insomnia.

3. It is a Powerful Antioxidant

Dark chocolate contains organic compounds that act as antioxidants such as flavanols, catechins, polyphenols, etc. which are biologically active.

4. It Improves Blood Flow & Lowers Blood Pressure

The flavonols contained in the dark chocolate help to stimulate the endothelium which is the lining of the arteries and help produce Nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is responsible for sending signals to arteries to get them to relax. This lowers the resistance of blood flow, reducing the pressure, and helps to control blood pressure.

5. Improves HDL & De-oxidizes LDL

Eating dark chocolate can help lower the risk of heart diseases. As per research, it was found that cocoa powder can decrease the oxidation of LDL (LDL or bad cholesterol reacts with free radicals) cholesterol in men. It also helps boost HDL and decrease overall LDL in patients with high cholesterol. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that enter the bloodstream and protect the lipoproteins against oxidation.Another benefit of dark chocolate is that it helps in reducing insulin resistance.

6. Protection Against Sun

As we already know, cocoa helps lower blood pressure and even aids in reducing stress. Dark chocolate contains bioactive compounds which are great for the skin. The flavanols improve the flow of blood to the skin and act as a sun protection layer on the skin. It also helps in increasing hydration and skin density.Other benefits of dark chocolates are: However, the bottom line is that it should be consumed in moderation. Also, the dark chocolates that are readily available in the market are not always right. Look for the ones that contain 70% or more cocoa content.Also Read: 4 Health Benefits of Green Tea

7. Could Improve Brain Function

One study that was conducted with a healthy volunteer showed that consuming high flavanol cocoa for 5 days helped improve blood flow in the brain. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment may receive benefits from consuming cocoa daily as it may improve cognitive function. Additionally, cocoa also contains several stimulants, the chief being caffeine, which contributes to the fact that cocoa helps improve brain function in the short term.

8. Could Lower Stress Levels

Researchers have proven that eating an average-sized dark chocolate bar every day for two consecutive weeks may reduce the levels of the hormone cortisol in the body, as well as the catecholamines, found in highly stressed people. Dark chocolate is also known to improve the metabolism and microbial activity of the gut of people who consume dark chocolate regularly.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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5 Everyday Foods That Are Good For Brain Health!

Eating healthy is vital for your mental as well as physical health. The brain requires your food’s attention as much as the stomach, heart, and liver do. Eating healthy is essential but once in a while, one should pay extra attention to their grey matter and necessary foods for the brain.  

 Just like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. In order to crack the best health secrets, learn what’s best for your brain and eat accordingly.

Here’s our pick for the top 5 best foods for the brain that will energise and help you learn skills faster:

  1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a particularly good source of two all-star antioxidants: lycopene and beta-carotene. These are essential to protect brain cells and prevent damage. Tomatoes prove to be one of the most economical ways to increase your brainpower. Adding a little bit of fat to your servings of tomatoes and other vegetables such as sweet potatoes helps all the safety molecules called carotenoids make their way into the system. Tomatoes and olive oil, the forever classic, delicious food combination, actually provides us with a synergistic health effect and is recommended.

  1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine which gives you the benefits that are similar to that of drinking coffee. Dark chocolate improves mental health, gives you better attention-span and improved concentration. It also helps in increasing the blood circulation in the body. The more blood flows to the brain, the more healthy and nutritious it becomes.

Dark chocolate is also very effective in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol level in the body.

As per a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the year 2012, the number of Nobel Prize recipients is in direct correlation with chocolate consumption done at those particular places! Interesting trivia to ponder over right? Sure is!

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
  1. Spinach

It is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties and being the power packhouse of iron. Spinach is especially good for the brain because it has a high concentration of an antioxidant called lutein, which helps in cleansing toxins from the brain and prevents age-related mental decline.

There are proven studies that indicate that students who included spinach in their meals were sharper and focused as compared to those whose spinach intake was less.

A common kitchen ingredient, turmeric is packed with one of the most powerful natural antioxidants called curcumin. The antioxidant properties of curcumin help fight off inflammation in the brain, protecting it from damage! There are numerous ways of using turmeric, one of the most common being using it as a condiment to add to recipes of your choice!

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
  1. Avocado

Avocado contains Vitamin E, which is essential for improving memory. Avocado is a fatty fruit but its fat is monounsaturated, which contributes to healthy blood flow. They help in lowering blood pressure which does not hamper with the cognitive abilities and promotes brain health.

Avocado is a power bank for health benefits, essential for heart, eye and brain as it lowers your chances of developing diabetes, cancer and heart diseases.

Also Read: Apple Diet: Unpacking the Potential Health Benefits and Risks Based on Studies

  1. Whole Grains

Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates which act as a good source of energy for the brain. The richness of the carbs will make you feel energised and refreshed throughout the day. Whole grains are a combination perfect for improved concentration, greater comprehension speed and optimal brain performance.

Also Read: Foods to avoid in anxiety and depression

Following a healthy diet plan after considering your grey matter will help prevent diseases like dementia in long run to an extent. Good food habits also help you to fight fatigue. Your lifestyle reflects your health; hence take the initial steps to change it for the best.  If at any point your diet seems to be unhealthy, make sure you increase the multivitamin and mineral complex in the body. 

Also Read: Purple Tomatoes: Uncovering the Science-Based Health Benefits

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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