10 Best Chocolate Health Benefits According To Science

May it be in real life, cartoons or movies, chocolate cake is like the favorite friend in the group that always gets invited to birthday parties. Chocolate cake has earned a reputation as the go-to dessert of choice due to its irresistible gooey goodness and widespread popularity.

Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day this Jan. 27 with the following health benefits in mind. Remember, it's never a wrong choice to cave in and ingest sweet treats, as long as you don't do it more often than recommended for your health.

1. Mineral-loaded treat

Satisfy your confection craving by indulging in a few squares of luscious dark chocolate, which happens to be filled with essential minerals present in cocoa beans. According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, dark chocolate is a great way to get your dose of magnesium, iron and zinc.

2. Antioxidant carrier

Certain illnesses may be kept at bay in part because of the antioxidants in chocolate. Degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may be warded off by flavanols.

3. Energy booster

Theobromine, a bitter-tasting alkaloid in cocoa, chocolate and coffee, contributes to stimulating effects such as increased energy and alertness. It is to be taken into consideration that it only has a slight influence on the nervous system.

4. Mood stimulant

People often resort to sugary snacks when feeling down to boost their spirits. Research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry supports the idea that eating dark chocolate with a higher proportion of cocoa helps improve one's mental state, particularly when experiencing negative emotions.

5. Fiber bearer

Nutrition & Metabolism published a study in which cocoa was found to improve bowel movements and increase fiber intake without dietary supplements in a group of 44 healthy men and women aged 18 to 55.

6. Cardiovascular support

Intake of flavanol-rich food like chocolate is also linked to positive cardiovascular health, perhaps because flavonoids in these types of food prevent high oxidative stress, a major contributor of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Anti-inflammatory treat

Thanks to phytochemical components like polyphenols that promote anti-inflammatory activity, cocoa has shown effectiveness in preventing chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and other ailments caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.

8. Blood flow enhancer

You may want to check the cacao content of that delectable chocolate cake you're eyeing since studies have shown that eating cacao can help reduce blood pressure.

Recent research revealed that postmenopausal women who consume chocolate high in cocoa may be relieved from "arterial stiffness, vascular function, and cardiovascular risk factors."

9. Lowers LDL

In a randomized controlled-feeding trial published by the American Heart Association, it was demonstrated that consuming cocoa and almond-based dark chocolate marked a decline in "small, dense LDL," also known as "bad cholesterol."

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood can be the root of other detrimental health conditions such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.

10. Source of Vitamin D2

A high amount of vitamin D2 is found in dark chocolate and other cocoa-based foods. It is a vitamin tied to improved calcium and phosphorus absorption, making these sweet treats a valuable addition to a bone healthy diet.