If you dreamt of eating a chocolate a day, now you have excuses to do so. Dark chocolate is one of nutritious food in the world.

Made from cocoa seeds, it contains a range of essential nutrients. Scientists have proved that dark chocolate - sorry, white or dairy chocolate doesn't count in - contains antioxidants and other nutrients making this bittersweet food a superfood treat.

It's always been a crowd-pleaser because of its nutrients and taste and now dark chocolate has found its space from our milkshakes to ice cream and to candy bars. 

Here is a list of perks why you should add this food to your weekly diet:

A powerful source of antioxidants

Dark chocolate is filled with powerful antioxidants. The compounds like polyphenols, catechins, and flavonols prevent oxidative stress. 

Oxidative stress refers to excess damage that free radicals have done to the body cells. This stress, over a long period, leads to many other diseases such as heart risk, cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson's disease, etc.

A study showed that dark chocolate or cocoa beans have more antioxidants than so-called super fruits like berries and pomegranates. It also has more antioxidants than green tea and red wine.

So, a bar of chocolate daily will have nothing to do with your health.  

May reduce heart disease risk

Eating chocolate also do wonders for your heart health. 

Sounds weird? Well, I feel exactly that. But here's the truth.

Flavanols and theobromine present in dark chocolate are proactive against LDL (bad cholesterol).

A combination of both compounds reduces two major heart risks; blood pressure and cholesterol level. 

These compounds offer anti-inflammatory as well as antithrombotic effects which lower blood pressure.

The super compound Flavonols stimulates nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels improves blood flow, and ultimately lower blood pressure.

A review showed that dark chocolate's beneficial effects on blood pressure are more significant in older people than young ones.

Brain functioning

The perks of dark chocolate aren't over yet. If you feel good and relaxed after eating a bar of dark chocolate, there is science behind it.

Studies show that dark chocolate flavanols improve the flow of blood to the brain and thus enhance mood. These super compounds also stimulate the areas of the brain associated with pleasure and reward which leads to better mental activity and mood.

A study showed that cocoa in dark chocolate stimulates cognitive function and also modulates mood swings positively.

Flavanols in chocolate increase neural cell growth and offer protection against declining brain function like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Many chocolate lovers believe that it helps in boosting mood. Well, it is true but science has its approach.

Flavanols stimulate endorphins which leads to mental well-being. 

Cocoa is involved in the production of serotonin which helps in boosting mood. 

May reduce diabetes

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells stop responding to the effects of insulin.

Oxidative stress is the primary source of insulin resistance. 

Flavanols and cocoa in chocolate increase insulin sensitivity, reduce resistance, and decrease diabetes risk. 

Improve the gut health

Research shows that dark chocolates are prebiotic they promote good bacteria in the gut during digestion. These good bacteria absorb nutrients and support a healthy metabolism.

Dark chocolates are also high in fiber and fibers are crucial for gut health. 

Much like in seeds and nuts, chocolate polyphenols proved to be rocket fuel for your gut health.

Conclusion

Dark chocolate is a remarkable food with a lot of nutrition and one should always have it in a weekly diet plan. I was over the moon after learning this. Chocolate lovers can relate to this!

There are considerable affirmations that cocoa and its contents are beneficial for your health but that doesn't mean you should all go for it every time and overeat yourself. 

However, all chocolates in the market don't necessarily contain these valuable nutrients, so always check one before eating it.