By NELSON TUFFOUR JOSEPH
Dark chocolate is a beloved treat for many people all over the world. This is common knowledge, isn’t it?
Its rich, smooth and indulgent taste is enough to make anyone feel satisfied.
But do you know that it has numerous benefits for your skin?
Studies show that the flavonoids in cocoa products can reduce inflammation and lower LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. All of these markers improve cardiovascular health.
In fact, you’ll need lots of physical activity to keep fit. But we’ll all agree that vigorous exercises and sweating it out in the gym may not be enough – you’ll need to have a healthy balanced diet as well.
Eating dark chocolate will satisfy your craving and show much love to your skin as well. From reducing signs of aging to improving skin hydration, texture and even more.
Let’s dive in.
Benefit 1: Antioxidant Properties
Everybody and their mum love dark chocolate. Understandable but it may surprise you to learn that it can also offer some tremendous health benefits. In fact, with its antioxidant properties, dark chocolate has been found to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.
With my experience with cocoa, I would recommend adding dark chocolate into your diet.
First, because it contains flavonoids. These are antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells and make you age faster.
Dark chocolate is also high in fiber, magnesium and iron. These essential nutrients aid digestion and provide other essential nutrients.
Benefit 2: Improves Skin Hydration
Hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and dark chocolate can help to improve skin hydration.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which help to increase skin moisture levels and improve skin elasticity. This leads to more supple, hydrated and youthful looking skin.
This delicious treat is not only known for its incredible flavor, but it also helps improve your skin hydration.
Great live performers such as musicians know that exercise is essential for peak performance. But there are other benefits to regular exercise on top of improved hand-eye coordination and a better sense of rhythm.
During vigorous aerobic exercises, our bodies produce sweat which helps to flush out toxins from the body. This process helps to keep our skin looking healthy and glowing. Additionally, sweating can help to keep skin properly hydrated by allowing moisture to evaporate quickly when it comes in contact with air. By removing excess oil and dirt from the surface of the skin, sweat also helps promote a clearer complexion overall.
Therefore, as a musician, a balanced workout routine consisting of both cardio and strength training is key for improving overall health as well as keeping your skin hydrated and nourished.
Same as eating dark chocolate. Great chocolate producers understand the importance of healthy and balanced hydration for skin. Always opt for dark chocolates that are made with premium cocoa beans that are naturally rich in antioxidants and polyphenols—all essential nutrients to help improve skin hydration.
Dark chocolates also contain a high percentage of cocoa butter, which helps lock in moisture while adding a smooth texture and rich flavor.
Benefit 3: Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is an important part of the body’s response to infection, injury, and other stimuli. Unfortunately, it can also be a major contributing factor to several diseases. Dark chocolate with all its health benefits, may have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content can reduce inflammation. This could lead to a healthier skin.
Dark chocolate could help protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals with its antioxidant properties.
Again, eating dark chocolate can help you maintain healthy collagen levels as well which will keep your skin looking elastic, fresh and youthful.
The study concluded that adding dark chocolate into your diet could have a positive effect on overall skin health.
Benefit 4: Promotes Skin Cell Regeneration
The potential for skin cell regeneration and its relationship to dark chocolate has recently emerged as an interesting area of research. And for good reason.
Scientists have been studying the impact that dark chocolate can have on the growth of skin cells and their ability to regenerate after injury or damage.
Recent studies suggest that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate may help protect the body from sun damage and restore aged skin cells. It also promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, dark chocolate also contains unique compounds that reduce inflammation associated with acne-prone skin. So your favorite chocolate could help you achieve the healthier looking skin you want.
In fact, in some races such as in the black community who have darker skin, skin cell regeneration might even reduce the risk of certain types of skin cancer. Studies show that people who ate large amounts of dark chocolate had a lower risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Although more research needs to be done in order to prove these theories, preliminary evidence suggests that a diet including moderate amounts of dark chocolate may benefit those seeking healthy looking skin.
Benefit 5: Reduces Dark Circles
Dark circles are a common skin concern that can make you look tired and older than you really are. Dark chocolate contains compounds that can improve skin circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
By incorporating dark chocolate into your daily routine, you can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and maintain a bright, youthful complexion.
Now It’s Your Turn..
What has been your personal experience with cocoa products and your favorite chocolate recipes over the years?
Do you use any cocoa products for your skin – cocoa butter, etc..?
Note that the evidence that dark chocolate can be beneficial for your skin is compelling. Eating dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher may help to improve skin health, hydration, and complexion.
However, it’s important to remember that the amount of dark chocolate you consume should be moderate. Too much sugar can be counterproductive and lead to other negative health effects.
Love to drink my favorite hot cocoa every morning. Used and sold several cocoa products over the years. As an editor at cocoaness.com and my cocoa farming background, I believe you’re in good hands. Nelson will put some chocolatey smile on your awesome face. My pleasure to serve you – be my guest.
