Yum V's Multi-Vitamin Plus Mineral Formula Milk Chocolate, 60 Count

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Consuming large amounts of dark chocolate can potentially lead to an increased heart rate, diarrhoea, anxiety, irritability, nervousness and dehydration.

Overall, dark chocolate has a lot of positive points: it has a decent nutritional profile, it has potential benefits, and it tastes delicious. Dark chocolate has a lot of sugar, fat, and calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends that you consume no more than 25-36 grams of added sugar per day, depending on your gender and size. Good news: If you feel better after eating dark chocolate, there’s a scientific reason for that. Dark chocolate has long been associated with feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. Those feelings may originate from what are called polyphenolic compounds. Oliveira D, Nilsson A. Effects of dark-chocolate on appetite variables and glucose tolerance: A 4 week randomised crossover intervention in healthy middle aged subjects. J Funct Foods. 2017;37:390-399. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2017.08.010 What’s more, several observational studies have concluded that eating dark chocolate regularly may reduce the risk of heart disease.Oxidized LDL can form highly reactive molecules, and it is thought to promote atherosclerosis – the development of arterial plaque that leads to heart disease ( 13, 14, 15, 16). Another study, published in January 2017 in the journal Appetite, showed that participants who rarely consumed chocolate had almost twice the risk of developing diabetes five years down the road, compared with participants who indulged in dark chocolate at least once per week.

In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease.

The cocoa used to make dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which are chemicals found in plants like the cacao tree (where the cocoa bean grows). The unique flavan-3-ols in cacao beans are what gives pure cocoa a bitter taste. However, one study in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure showed no effect, so take this with a grain of salt ( 8). It’s possible that people who are already receiving treatment for high blood pressure may not get any additional benefit from adding cocoa flavanols to their diet. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke. Other than tasting great, what are the benefits of eating dark chocolate? There are quite a few, let’s explore some of those wider dark chocolate health benefits:

Semisweet dark chocolate tends to contain relatively large amounts of sugar still, so they have a milder taste. Bittersweet Vitamin K: Just like in dark chocolate, Vitamin K in milk chocolate plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin B12: Another vitamin present due to the inclusion of milk, B12 is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. What’s more, because dark chocolate contains very little to zero milk, it’s a popular vegan ingredient too (the zero milk variety). How does dark chocolate compare with milk and white?Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier. When it comes to the nutritional benefits of cacao, a little goes a long way. Raw cacao powder is loaded with health-boosting minerals, including zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, and manganese. These naturally occurring compounds are needed for hundreds of chemical reactions and functions in your body, supporting healthy bones, digestion, blood flow, oxygen supply, among many other important jobs. Cacao is also a good source of macronutrients - the nutrients we need in larger doses - such as protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Cacao in moderation Studies have shown that healthy amounts of dark chocolate, with a high cacao content, could potentially improve how the body metabolises glucose, which can help prevent insulin resistance; the cause of high blood sugar levels. Calculated using the USDA’s FoodData Central database and the FDA’s published daily values, here is the vitamin and mineral content of dark chocolate per ounce (28-gram) serving ( 9, 10). Several studies have begun to narrow down just how chocolate can impact the brain. Research presented at the 2018 Experimental Biology meeting found that eating 48 grams (g) — a little more than 1.5 oz — of 70 percent cacao organic chocolate increased neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new synaptic connections, which could have positive effects on memory, cognition, and mood.