Delicious and Nutritious Dark Chocolate

Derived from the seed of the Theobroma Cacao, which translates to “Food of the Gods,” chocolate is one of the world’s favorite treats, and it has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. Dark chocolate is particularly nutritious and contains high quantities of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and iron. It has been shown to have a number of significant health benefits.

Heart & Cardiovascular Support

Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of blood clots and stroke. Flavonoids found in dark chocolate help stimulate the body’s endothelium, or the lining of the arteries, to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to lower the arteries resistance to blood flow, lowering blood pressure. Chocolate also contains significant amounts of iron that may help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.

Brain & Cognitive Support

Chocolate increases blood flow, not only benefiting the cardiovascular system but supporting healthy brain function, too.

Containing a small amount of caffeine, chocolate also acts as a mild stimulant. It is thought to improve concentration, boost mental clarity and focus, and briefly elevate overall moods. What causes this improvement in mental health? It’s those handy flavonoids, which dark chocolate is full of! In fact, studies show that eating flavonoid-rich dark chocolate for five days drastically improved blood flow to the brain in patients.

Anti-Aging

Loaded with antioxidants, dark chocolate provides an effective defense against free radicals, which may help slow the signs of aging. Resveratrol, which is most commonly found in red wine and dark chocolate, has been shown to protect the skin and contribute to toxin reduction in the body.

In fact, dark chocolate is even more powerful than acai berries or even cranberries when it comes to antioxidants! Flavonoids form dark chocolate also help improve your body’s blood flow to the skin, offering enhanced protection from the sun. So, if you are planning a Caribbean vacation, make sure you stock up on the chocolate – for health reasons, of course.

Cough Relief

Chocolate contains theobromine, an alkaline that has been linked to the reduction of a persistent cough. Raw cocoa beans contain about 1% theobromine, and may also contribute to the prevention of tooth decay. We recommend choosing dark chocolate over lighter varieties to achieve the optimum health benefits.

Aptly named, this “food of the gods” has benefits that go beyond simply tasting delicious. We love dark chocolate for its ability to support both cardiovascular and cognitive functions, as well as its role as a powerful antioxidant. Consume dark chocolate in moderation to experience the full benefits of one of nature’s most nutritious snacks.

At The Natural, we know how important chocolate is to great health – and happy people! We offer a wide range of pure chocolate products, including chocolate powders to help keep your mind and body in perfect working order. We also offer free shipping on orders over $40! Visit our site, and use promo code “SAVE10” to get 10 percent off your order today!