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It’s no secret: Americans love chocolate,
Each person eats an average of 10 to 12 pounds of chocolate every year. a total of about £3 billiona fresh Study Data from the National Confectioners Association revealed that people in the US enjoy chocolate and candy two to three times a week.
But chocolate, which is derived from cocoa grown in West Africa and South America, is not just a sweet treat. Cocoa and chocolate have been shown to reduce stress and increase energy levels – effects that are much appreciated during the busy and sometimes stressful holiday season.
One type of chocolate reigns supreme when it comes to these and other health benefits. Dark chocolate contains more cocoa and less sugar than milk or white chocolate.
“Research continues to indicate that dark chocolate has many health benefits,” Mayo Clinic says,
a happy break
If you’re looking for a delicious way to reduce your stress levels, researchers say look no further than dark chocolate. a south korean Study showed that people who ate 10 grams of dark chocolate three times a day for three weeks experienced improvements in their mood.
Many different studies have also shown that Eating dark chocolate reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.According to him, just one piece of dark chocolate bar can be enough to feel stress away, Hartford Healthcare,
“In addition, the antioxidants in cocoa relax the walls of your blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving circulation,” the health care system said. “Select varieties that contain at least 70 percent cocoa.”
The higher the percentage of cocoa in your chocolate, the greater the health benefits.
The proof is in the (dark chocolate) pudding
Still, the high percentage of cocoa doesn’t just provide stress relief. “The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the higher the flavonoids and the lower the sugar,” said registered dietitian Devon Peart. told the Cleveland Clinic,
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoidsAntioxidants found in food fight inflammation.
Flavonoids present in chocolate promote endurance in athletes by increasing blood circulation and reducing the amount of oxygen they use during exercise. Johns Hopkins Medicine They say. People who eat dark chocolate can remain active for a longer period of time.
Almost all dark chocolate also contains energy-boosting caffeine. According to the chocolate manufacturer, people can get 20 mg in 30 grams of dark chocolate. Lindt,
However, this is still a much lower amount than 96 mg In a cup of coffee.