Dark Chocolates May Reduce Stress and Inflammation - 4 Benefits Of Dark Chocolate You Must Know

According to a latest study, consuming dark chocolate may reduce stress and inflammation, as well as improve memory, immunity and mood

The findings revealed that dark chocolate may also affect human gene expression. It regulates cellular immune response, neural signalling, and sensory perception.

Cacao consumption up-regulates multiple intracellular signalling pathways involved in T-cell activation, cellular immune response and genes involved in neural signalling and sensory perception - the researchers said that the latter was potentially associated with the phenomena of brain hyperplasticity

Benefits of Dark Chocolates 

1. Lowers Blood Pressure - Several studies suggests that the high magnesium content in dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure.  It is also said that eating dark chocolate raises the level of nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring substance in your body that acts on small receptors in our blood vessels and helps them dilate thereby lowering overall blood pressure.

2. Lowers Cholesterol - Studies show that moderate amounts of dark chocolate can lower LDL which is bad cholesterol and raise HDL which is good cholesterol. This in turn helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and a stroke.

3. Curbs Cravings - Research proves that dark chocolates have high satiety value and therefore they make you feel full for a longer time. They are packed with MUFA'S (monounsaturated fatty acids) that are known to boost your metabolism and burn fat.

4. Keeps Your Weight in Check- By keeping your cravings in check, you would obviously binge, therefore dark chocolate may assist you in your weight loss goals. A 2012 study conducted by the University of California looked at the diet of 1000 Americans found that those who ate dark chocolate a few times a week were on an average, slimmer than those who ate it occasionally. The researchers went on to say that even though dark chocolate is loaded with calories, it contains ingredients that may favour weight-loss