Research has found that of the many flavonoids in chocolate, one known as epicatechin is believed to be responsible for its cancer-fighting properties. Still, most research is limited by using only animals or cell cultures, and the amount of chocolate needed to potentially yield preventative action against cancers is much higher than the daily recommended dose for humans.

RELATED: How to Build an Anti-Cancer Diet. The Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health lists vitamins and minerals that dark chocolate is packed full of — like copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese, to name a few — and that are also beneficial to your skin.

Manganese, for example, supports the production of collagen , a protein that helps keep skin looking young and healthy. Research has also found the high levels of antioxidants in dark chocolate may protect skin from the powerful ultraviolet UV rays emitted by the sun.

Cocoa butter contains oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat — the same fat you find in heart-healthy olive oil, notes MedlinePlus. But per the U. Department of Agriculture USDA , cocoa butter , unlike olive oil , is also high in saturated fat, which in excess can be harmful to the heart, further emphasizing the need for portion control.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Foods for People With High Cholesterol. On top of all the other potential benefits, one thing is for sure: Dark chocolate contains a ton of nutrients. Of course, the darker the chocolate the better, but any percent dark chocolate or higher contains antioxidants, fiber , potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium, according to a research article.

It also contains a good chunk of calories and fat, so be mindful of your daily intake. Each brand of chocolate is also processed differently. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

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By Anna Brooks. Medically Reviewed. Roxana Ehsani, RD, LDN. The benefits of incorporating dark chocolate into your diet are plentiful. Next up video playing in 10 seconds. How to Cook It: Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Now, a look at some health benefits dark chocolate offers. Dark Chocolate May Help Prevent Heart Disease and Lower the Risk of Stroke One of the biggest benefits that researchers tout is the role dark chocolate may play in improving heart health.

RELATED: 10 Superfoods for Heart Health 2. Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies: Healthy Dessert Recipe Everyday Health staff nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RDN, shows you how to make avocado brownies. Chocolate Is Good for Your Gut and May Help With Weight Loss Eating chocolate every day probably seems like the last way to lose weight, but research suggests dark chocolate may play a role in controlling appetite, which in turn could help with weight loss.

It Fights Free Radicals and May Play a Role in Cancer Prevention Evidence that dark chocolate possesses properties that could help protect against certain types of cancer is limited but growing. RELATED: How to Build an Anti-Cancer Diet 6.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Foods for People With High Cholesterol 8. Dark Chocolate Is Nutritious — and Delicious! Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Panche AN et al.

Flavonoids: An Overview. Journal of Nutritional Science. Dark Chocolate. Harvard T. March Chocolate Is Good for the Heart. European Society of Cardiology. July 22, Ho YL et al. Chocolate Consumption and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: The Million Veteran Program. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

May Hooper L et al. Effects of Chocolate, Cocoa, and FlavanOls on Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Ghimire K et al. American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology.

March 1, Yuan S et al. Chocolate Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. July Dark Chocolate Consumption Reduces Stress and Inflammation. April 24, Berk L et al. The FASEB Journal. April Jackson SE et al.

Is There a Relationship Between Chocolate Consumption and Symptoms of Depression? A Cross-Sectional Survey of 13, US Adults.

Depression and Anxiety. October Freeman AM et al. Insulin Resistance. August 17, Shah SR et al. Use of Dark Chocolate for Diabetic Patients: A Review of the Literature and Current Evidence. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives.

Crichton GE et al. Habitual Chocolate Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study: — : Prospective Observations. Flavanols are known to help lower blood sugar and decrease body weight.

Reduces inflammation: The flavanols present in dark chocolates contain anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammations in the body have been linked to the increase in insulin resistance which in turn interferes with the feelings of hunger and hormones that regulate metabolism.

So munching on dark chocolate now and then in moderation can help prevent and repair the cellular damage caused by the inflammation.

Thus, preventing us from overeating. Encourages exercise: As discussed above, we know that chocolate has anti-inflammatory constitutes, it is also rich in magnesium, these two combined together may lead to less pain.

If there's a feel-good factor exercising seems more appealing, and it's no secret that regular exercise helps us to stay fit and lose weight. So, if you ever suffer from pain after a strenuous session at the gym having a glass full of salted caramel hot chocolate loaded with dark chocolate is a good idea for an instant relief.

It controls appetite: Eating sugary food can make our body resistant to insulin and this, in turn, causes the body to produce more ghrelin, a hormone responsible to increase our appetite. Eating dark chocolate instead of other sugary desserts keeps our insulin and appetite in check.

Moreover, dark chocolates contain a decent amount of fiber so it increases the feeling of satiety. Improves metabolism: The good news for all the chocolate lovers is that dark chocolate actually alters the human metabolism in a good way, reports the Journal of Proteome Research.

The monounsaturated fats MUFAs present in dark chocolate is known to boost the metabolism which stimulates the body to burn calories faster. Studies have proved that chocolate affects the way our body synthesizes fatty acids and reduces the absorption of fats and carbohydrates. Fights sugar spikes: With the help of healthy fats namely: Oleic acid, stearic acid present in dark chocolate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream gets slow.

It reduces stress: It is a known fact that people tend to overeat when they are stressed. Stress causes the cortisol level to spike.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. So, the spike in this hormone increases our appetite and encourages us to eat more than what we require causing us to gain weight.

Studies published by Journal of Proteome Research confirms that eating a few dark chocolates every day can help you relax. Contains good fat: Dark chocolate contains saturated fat and not all fat is bad for our body, in fact, good fats are necessary while trying to lose weight.

Oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid are the three types of fats that chocolate contains. Stearic acid, when metabolized, turns into oleic acid and oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that lowers the cholesterol.

Although palmitic acid has been shown to raise cholesterol levels when it gets combined with oleic acid and stearic acid the overall ill effect of cholesterol is irrelevant.

Encourages us to take care of ourselves: It's a fact that when you feel good you naturally want to take care of yourself. Cocoa and dark chocolate contain polyphenols. Polyphenols are supposed to have a positive effect on our sense of well being.

Dark chocolates, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise , can actually give you a boost towards achieving your weight-loss goals. However, make sure not to overindulge on these dark bars.

It offers a more intense cocoa flavor compared to milk chocolate due to a higher cocoa content and less added milk. Its bittersweet taste profile appeals to those seeking a less sugary option. Enjoyed both on its own and as an ingredient in various recipes, dark chocolate continues to be a beloved choice among chocolate enthusiasts.

Interestingly, emerging studies suggest a tantalizing connection between dark chocolate and weight loss. Compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids in dark chocolate might aid metabolism and reduce cravings. Additionally, its rich taste could promote satiety, potentially curbing overeating.

However, moderation remains crucial, as dark chocolate is calorie-dense. So, what do the experts think about this? Does chocolate really help in weight management?

Dark chocolate offers notable micronutrients. Rich in iron, it supports oxygen transport and energy production. Abundant in magnesium, vital for muscles and bones. Contains copper, aiding various physiological processes. Also supplies manganese, essential for antioxidant defense.

While these micronutrients showcase potential health benefits, remember that dark chocolate should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content and potential added sugars.

Dark chocolate is often touted for its potential health benefits, including its influence on weight loss. Dark chocolate may aid in appetite and craving regulation due to its rich flavor and high cocoa content.

The bitterness of dark chocolate can satisfy taste buds with less consumption, potentially reducing overeating. Additionally, its compounds, such as polyphenols, might influence hunger hormones, promoting a feeling of fullness.

However, moderation is crucial, as excessive consumption can lead to unwanted calories. The intense flavor and high cocoa content stimulate taste receptors, leading to sensory satisfaction with smaller portions. Cocoa contains compounds that might influence hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger and fullness.

Phenylethylamine, present in dark chocolate, may trigger feelings of contentment. Additionally, the presence of healthy fats and fiber can slow digestion, prolonging the feeling of fullness.

However, moderation is key, as dark chocolate is calorie-dense. Incorporating small amounts mindfully into a balanced diet could help leverage its satiety-inducing potential, aiding in portion control and reducing the likelihood of overeating. These compounds might enhance thermogenesis and fat oxidation, increasing calorie expenditure.

Moreover, the presence of healthy fats and fiber slows digestion, promoting a gradual release of energy and prolonged satiety. Despite these benefits, overconsumption can lead to excess calories.

Including small amounts of dark chocolate in a balanced diet, combined with regular exercise, might modestly support metabolism and weight loss goals. Its lower sugar content and higher cocoa content are advantageous for individuals aiming to manage blood sugar levels.

Flavonoids like epicatechin may enhance insulin sensitivity, facilitating better glucose uptake by cells. The fiber and healthy fats in dark chocolate slow digestion, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar and promoting a gradual release of energy. The bitter taste can also reduce sweet cravings, aiding in sugar control.

Dark chocolate may assist in stress reduction and weight loss through its potential effects on mood and metabolism. Additionally, the rich taste can provide sensory pleasure, offering a moment of comfort. In terms of weight loss, the combination of its fiber and healthy fats can induce satiety, aiding in portion control.

Most of us have tried at least some form of diet or calorie counting as a quick fix to boost our metabolism and lose some weight. Metabolism is much more than just calories burnt. It is the sum of all the chemical reactions going on in your body.

You need a good metabolism to regulate your blood circulation and even maintain your body temperature. The term basal metabolic rate BMR is often used interchangeably with metabolism. However, the metabolic rate is a bit different from the basal metabolic rate.

BMR is your metabolic rate when you are at rest. Metabolic rate, on the other hand, is the speed at which your body is taking up energy at a given time. Though almost all foods will increase your metabolism a bit, some foods can give a good kick to your metabolic rate and help you burn more calories, provided that you add sufficient amount of physical activity exercise with it.

Here are some of those foods that you can add to your diet if you are looking to boosting your metabolism:. Dark chocolate is undoubtedly the yummiest option for good metabolism. Researchers say that if you eat 40g of dark chocolate a day it would not only boost your metabolism but also improve your gut flora, thus improving digestion.

However, when it comes to weight management, spicy foods are a bit tricky. They boost your metabolism but they also make you want to eat more. So if you can manage your food cravings, spicy foods may be a good addition to your weight loss plan.

Proper hydration is one of the basic necessities of good health. Experts suggest that drinking glasses of water per day would increase your daily energy demand by at least Joules. The team then compared weight gain and other measures of health to people not eating chocolate. In news that will have chocolate fans jumping for joy, results show morning and nighttime chocolate eating did not lead to weight gain in these women.

When it comes to the morning, a bowl of chocolaty cereal appears to be a good way of getting your metabolism going. The study finds eating chocolate for breakfast can increase fat burning ability. It also reduces blood glucose levels, a key measure for people at risk from diabetes.

Scheer in a media release.