A hostess serves visitors at a chocolate fountain during a chocolate convention in Lima July 7, 2011. The three-day exhibition, which drew distributors from Latin America and chocolate sommeliers from Europe, featured organic dark chocolate candy bars, ch
IN PHOTO: A hostess serves visitors at a chocolate fountain during a chocolate convention in Lima July 7, 2011. The three-day exhibition, which drew distributors from Latin America and chocolate sommeliers from Europe, featured organic dark chocolate candy bars, chocolate sushi and Machu Picchu sculptures carved out of the sweet stuff. Reuters/Pilar Olivares

Dark chocolate has been proven to be good for health. Apart from being delicious, studies have repeatedly revealed that dark chocolate offers several health benefits.

Healthy Heart

Chocolate has several cardiovascular benefits. According to Women's Health Magazine, two studies conducted in Sweden and Germany found that dark chocolate lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of stroke by 39 per cent. The cocoa flavanols present in it reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lower cholesterol. It also increases the flexibility of the veins and arteries.

Chocolate prevents memory loss

Scientists at Harvard Medical School conducted a study and found that those people who drink hot chocolate two times a day have better memory. The lead author, Farzaneh A. Sorond, said that this is due to the blood flow in the brain, which increases when chocolate is consumed. The parts of the brain that require greater blood flow experience such when you drink or eat chocolate.

Mood Booster

Chocolate is a mood booster as it contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is a chemical the brain releases when one falls in love. It releases endorphins and creates a happy mood. It reduces stress as well.

Protects against Type 2 diabetes

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that flavones present in chocolate and other berries cause lower insulin resistance. It also increase the levels of a protein that regulates glucose content in the body; the protein is called adiponectin. According to Medical News Today, 50 mg of flavonoids in chocolate reduces the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Good for the skin

A study conducted in Germany found that flavonoids protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It also increase the blood flow of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues of the skin, which keeps the skin hydrated.

While the benefits of dark chocolate are many, it is best not to over indulge. WebMD states that an ounce of chocolate contributes to 150 calorie gain, and it is bad for you if you have too much of it.

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