Craving for chocolates, but don't want to gain those extra pounds? Worry not! Go for a dark chocolate, which contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium and magnesium.
Following are benefits of dark chocolates: Controls blood pressure: Having little amount of dark chocolates at least thrice a week improves blood flow and prevents blood clotting," says Sonal Arora, a Delhi-based dietician. "It also lowers blood pressure and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)," she adds. Good for brain: Since it improves the blood flow in the body, it helps improve cognitive function, and also reduces the risk of a stroke. Arora also said dark chocolates contain Phenylethylamine (PEA). It's the same chemical that our brain creates when a person falls in love. The chemical helps brain to release endorphins, which results in making a person happier. Controls blood sugar: Dark chocolates keep blood vessels healthy and help control diabetes. "Dark chocolates contain a chemical called flavonoids which reduces insulin resistance and encourage body cells to function normally," adds the dietician. Loaded with antioxidants: Antioxidants help release free radicals, which damage cells. A human body develops free radicals when a person grows old. These radicals can also cause cancer. Dark chocolates lower down the signs of ageing and reduce cancer risks. Reduces stress: "Dark chocolates help reducing stress as it contain good amount of cocoa, and cocoa helps reduces stress hormones," says Arora.