Vision. Studies have shown that young adults eating dark chocolate had enhanced visual performance. It is believed the cocoa in dark chocolate may increase blood flow to the brain and retina. This in turn can improve motion detection and improve the capability to see letters of low contrast.
Some research suggests that dark chocolate may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation and insulin resistance, increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, and improve brain function.
Researchers noticed no differences in the effect of dark vs. milk chocolate on subjective visual acuity or contrast sensitivity, no change in retinal vessel density and no difference in arterial pressure as measured by OCT angiography.
What are the side effects of eating dark chocolate? The dark chocolate side effects may be associated with caffeine. It may cause sleeplessness, nervousness, increased urination, fast heartbeat, skin allergies, migraine and headache, nausea, and stomach problems like gas and constipation.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet with dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Exercise regularly. Use protective eyewear during activities that may be dangerous to your eyes, such as yard work, sports or home repairs. Wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
Remember, post-exercise and work out is the best time to eat dark chocolate. As the energy level gets low during the laborious exercise, you would want to regain your energy. So yes, get the bar of dark chocolate and take one row of it. It contains the 30g pack of energy that goes straight to your bloodstream.
Saturated fat found in red meat, dairy products, fried foods, and junk food causes plaque buildup in blood vessels. The blood vessels that supply the eyes are very tiny and can easily become blocked. A diet high in saturated fat is a diet consisting of unhealthy food.
Olive oil has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for eye health. A study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that olive oil may help to protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness.
So, if we go by the recommended daily intake of 30-60 grams, that means you can have anywhere from three to six squares of dark chocolate per day.
What is the daily recommended amount of dark chocolate? The recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g, experts say. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.
The types of flavanols present in dark chocolate have been shown to reduce risk factors associated with insulin resistance. These positive effects against insulin resistance may reduce the risk of diabetes in the long run. Studies suggest that dark chocolate may have a positive effect on reducing blood pressure.
Dark chocolate is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies show it can help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. Studies show that dark chocolate — when it is not loaded with sugar and saturated fat — is indeed a heart-healthy chocolate treat and more.
Dark chocolate “contains two to three times more flavanol-rich cocoa solids as compared to milk chocolate,” Peart adds. “It's significantly higher.” That's a huge health benefit for your heart. Flavanols are related to the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes your blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Dark chocolate has several times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. And it contains substances that may help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels and brain function, and help your body deal with insulin. But some dark chocolate also has high levels of refined sugar and additives.
Eating chocolate in the morning may help burn body fat, decrease glucose levels, and improved microbiome health, thanks to the flavanol content, according to a new study. Food timing is a relevant factor in weight control.
Dark chocolate does contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can interfere with your sleep. If you are sensitive to caffeine or consume too much dark chocolate before bedtime, it may be harder to drift off and stay asleep.
Dark chocolate has flavonoids that dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Dark chocolate is the best choice before bed because it contains more cocoa than white chocolate. Caffeine is found in cocoa, and it is an stimulant that makes it difficult to sleep. Instead of eating chocolate at night, try milk chocolate.
Eat 2 to 4 servings of raw fruit or vegetables per day, especially carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, bell peppers, papaya, mangos, oranges and berries. Raw fruits and vegetable retain full antioxidant strength and the brighter the produce the better.