Selfcare Sunday: 5 Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Women

The last few articles I talked about how dark chocolate benefits men and how in some cases absorb more nutrition from it than women, this time I would like to delve into some of the benefits it give women.

1. Dark chocolate helps ease period pains

Dark chocolate can and may help ease menstrual cramps. As it contains a high magnesium content. Magnesium helps relax muscles and may stop the production of compounds that signal cramps.

Copper, another nutrient found in dark chocolate, may also play a role. Personally i find there is nothing better than a soothing cup of 80Noir Ultra chocolate make with milk to help me calm my senses and relax more - its the only real time i have hot chocolate with milk.

2. Dark chocolate helps reduce inflammation

As we get older, our bodies become more and more inflamed, usually with the food we use and the less exercise, which can impact our joints and cause more aches and pain...

Chocolate that is over 75% cocoa dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which have some major anti-inflammatory effects. These flavanols help to reduce inflammation and keep the cells that line the arteries healthy. Thereby causing less pain and aches. Antioxidants fight inflammation and free radicals, which can help your immunity and reduce your risk of disease.

3. Dark chocolate helps with mood swings

Let's face we are all prone to a few mood swings, I know I am. one minute I can be full of the joys of spring, next I'm crying over an animal advert. The good news is that dark chocolate and chocolate in general is known to improve happiness however there is a sliding scale...

As with most things.. if you go for the white or milk chocolate - its the sugar in the chocolate that sends signals into your brain to be happy but equally depletes you very quickly afterwards. If you have dark chocolate, its the cacao that releases serotonin and dopamine into your brain and allows you the eutrophic (love drug) experience without any of the sugar dips..

It truly is an amazing humble superfood plant.

4. Dark chocolate boosts energy

Every get the afternoon slump? Instead of heading for a sugary quick fix or caffeine induced drink/snack, try dark chocolate, as it can help boost nitric acid levels, which can help control blood pressure, and its antioxidant properties can neutralise free radicals, which cause cell damage and might even cause cancer.

As its low in sugar, you have a consistent energy pattern so you won't be needing more. Its the perfect antidote to lacklustre afternoons

5. Dark chocolate can increase your iron intake

Strange one perhaps but its true.. and why do we care about iron?

We need iron for our bodies to grow and develop. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles.

So, that dark chocolate contains up to 11.9 mg of iron per 100g is quite impressive.

Go forth and eat / drink dark chocolate. Just remember to try chocolate over 75% to reap all the rewards...

Fun Fact: So many athletes these days are having squares of dark chocolate before their big event. Why? simply put dark chocolate helps open up the blood vessels and allows blood and oxygen to pump through the body.

As such it allows you to work harder for longer, not only that you don't get the necessary energy slump in the afternoon, just prolonger consistent energy.

FAQs

What is the benefit of dark chocolate 

Dark chocolate is packed full with nutrients that can positively affect your mind body health. Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it's one of the best sources of antioxidants you can find. 

What is the best time to have dark chocolate?

It is all down to personal experience on how you have your chocolate, the quality and cacao . Personally I have first thing in the morning to replace my coffee and if I need an energy boost in the afternoon. It is great post exercise and work out, as it helps maintain energy levels steadily.

Can you sleep if you have dark chocolate in the evening?

Many people have found the cocoa flavanols found in dark chocolate can help to improve sleep quality and duration as it promotes melatonin in our system to help with slumber. The flavanols are thought to affect the body's production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep. So have your cup of cocoa for a great night sleep.