Definition
Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis can improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress.
How to Do It
Eat around 40g (1.5 ounces) of dark chocolate a day. This is approximately 3 ‘squares’ of a typical chocolate bar, but varies between products. Ideally, the chocolate should contain at least 70% cacao and no milk.
Benefits
- Improves mood
- Improves cognitive function
- Reduces stress levels
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces risk of death by heart disease
Time Commitment
2 minutes per day
Why it works
- Dark chocolate contains ‘flavonoids’. These compounds can reduce blood pressure and risk of blood clots by promoting healthy blood composition[2:5].
- Dark chocolate also contain ‘methylxanthines’, chemicals with psychological effects. This is why dark chocolate can improve mood and cognitive function[1].
Suggested Frequency
Once daily
Supporting Studies and Articles
- Methylxanthines are the psycho-pharmacologically active constituents of chocolate
- Dark chocolate Improves Coronary Vasomotion and Reduces Platelet Reactivity
- Dark chocolate improves endothelial and platelet function
- Short-term administration of dark chocolate is followed by a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood pressure in healthy persons
- Dark chocolate inhibits platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers
- Dark Chocolate Intake Buffers Stress Reactivity in Humans
Side Effects
- Overconsumption can lead to weight gain and diabetes.
- Addiction to chocolate is possible, although unlikely.
Required Equipment
Dark chocolate
Gurus/Celebrities/Doing it
Audrey Hepburn
Blake Lively
Kylie Minogue
Dr. Axe
Related Products
Dark Chocolate
Category Health/Productivity/Mood:
Health, Productivity, Mood
Suggested Time of Day
N/A
Notes
- Dark chocolate goes great with a handful of nuts as a healthy snack or small meal replacement.
- If you dislike the taste of the dark stuff, substituting milk chocolate in its place would have the same psychological benefits as dark chocolate. However, its milk content blocks the absorption of flavonoids, meaning it has no benefit for heart health. White chocolate has no recorded benefits.
