Delicious and... Nutritious?! 5 Health Benefits of Chocolate

In a previous blog, the team at Malta Chocolate Factory investigated the science behind chocolate’s feel-good factor. This time, we’re taking a look at the health benefits – yes, health benefits! – of everyone’s favourite confectionery. Take a bite out of these chocolatey health facts below!

1. What chocolate is the healthiest?

It’s all about the flavonoids when it comes to healthy chocolate; in general, the darker the chocolate (70% or above cocoa), the higher the flavonoid content. These nifty nutrients can help to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer, and are commonly found in fruit, broccoli, onions and tea.

2. Chocolate is good for the heart...

Once again – all hail the power of flavonoids! Not only do they help to reduce the risk of stroke by thinning the blood, but they also contain many anti-inflammatory properties and lower blood pressure.

3. ... and the arteries

Dark chocolate can help to prevent arteries from clogging by restoring flexibility to the blood vessels, as well as preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of arteries. It can also prevent the narrowing of arteries by preventing LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) from oxidising. In fact, the stearic acid found in these flavonoids (that are originally sourced from cocoa butter) may even help to increase the levels of the “good”, protective cholesterol.

4. It can reduce pregnancy complications...

One of the chemicals in dark chocolate – theobromine – can help to dilate the arteries and stimulate the heart. A study was carried out during which pregnant women were given doses of chocolate – the higher these doses were, the lower the chances these women had of developing a complication called pre-eclampsia, which can send blood pressure shooting up.

5. ... and even help to reduce food cravings!

Hankering for a leftover slice of pizza? Eat a piece of dark chocolate to curb your appetite; it will fill you up quickly and reduce cravings for sweet or salty snacks.

Head Over to Malta Chocolate Factory for a dose of the best chocolate on the island!

We have a variety of yummy dark chocolate available, including sugar-free options and sweet treats such as our Dark Honeycomb Crunch and Dark Dried Apricots. If you’re looking to treat a loved one, we can’t possibly not mention our Dark Chocolate Lover Hamper, filled with dark chocolate pastelles, a dark chilli bar, one Dark Honey Crunch box, 6 dark chocolate truffles and a bottle of delicious red wine! How’s that for darkly decadent?

For more updates from the team at Malta Chocolate Factory, follow us on Facebook!