June marks the annual celebrations of men’s health week and Father’s Day. Although we love the men in our lives year round, now is a great time to shower them with a little extra TLC. What better way to do that than with the gift of good-for-them dark chocolate? Chocolate? Healthy? You bet. In fact, dark chocolate benefits go far beyond delighting the taste buds. Keep reading to learn more.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate For Men
Not only is chocolate a delectable superfood that makes you feel good when you take a bite, it actually does good from the inside out.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and minerals that boast a variety of proven health benefits, including promoting cardiovascular wellness. Men in particular may benefit more from consuming dark chocolate because they statistically are the group most impacted by cardiovascular disease.
Some benefits men may see from consuming dark chocolate include:
Supporting healthy blood pressure and inflammatory response. Research has shown that dark chocolate has a positive impact on blood pressure. Additionally, the antioxidants and fiber in cacao appear to make the gut microbiome very happy. Once the nutrients are absorbed in the large intestine, they play a part in promoting reduced inflammation.†
Better focus and energy. Consuming dark chocolate can provide a brief burst of energy by constricting blood vessels and getting more oxygen to the brain.†
Healthier body weight. While the idea of eating chocolate to maintain a healthy weight sounds too good to be true, studies have linked a lower body mass index with consuming dark chocolate on a regular basis.†
Mental health benefits. The flavanols in dark chocolate may also help with stress and anxiety. One study also found that consuming 85% cocoa dark chocolate improves mood and negative emotional states via the gut-brain axis.†
Focus on Flavanols
Much of the magic in dark chocolate comes from the flavanols it contains.
Flavanols are plant based compounds, also known as phytochemicals. Studies show that flavanols reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes when consumed as part of a healthy diet. Dark chocolate is packed with these powerful antioxidants that can help play a part in preventing cardiovascular disease.†
By reducing levels of “bad” cholesterol and inflammation, flavanols may help protect against heart disease.†
What to Look for in Dark Chocolate Products
Not all dark chocolate is created equal. When shopping for dark chocolate, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How is it sourced? The majority of cacao comes from developing countries in South/Central America and Africa. Check that the company you purchase from has high ethical standards for sourcing their materials.
- Is it grown with chemicals or harmful agricultural approaches? The integrity of the cacao is important. Cacao that has not been touched by harmful chemicals is the healthier option.
- What is the percentage of cacao used? Milk and white chocolate are not as healthy as dark chocolate and typically contain more sugar. Look for 60% cacao or higher.
Try Functional Chocolate Company Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is already a superfood, but paired with botanicals, vitamins and minerals, it offers even greater benefits. Consider a variety of enhanced chocolate bars from The Functional Chocolate Company.
Trouble with sleep. Sleepy Chocolate combines a thoughtful blend of powerful botanicals including chamomile, valerian, lavender and lemon balm with the clinically researched benefits of magnesium and melatonin to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.†
Anxiety and stress. Carefree Chocolate is a naturally derived formulation utilizing herbs, botanicals and clinically researched and patented Pharma Gaba® & L-Theanine — shown to promote an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness.†
Drained energy. Energy Chocolate is designed to lift energy and vitality for when there are too few hours in the day.†
Fuzzy focus. Brainy Chocolate features a combination of trusted botanicals including ginkgo biloba, bacopa and rhodiola, paired with a proprietary blend of amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids and Chocamine® to bring you back to center with calm focus that doesn’t leave you jittery.†
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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