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1. May Make You Thinner
A recent study by my alma matar, UC San Diego, found that frequent chocolate eaters are thinner. What's key is that it measured a relationship between b.m.i and frequency of chocolate consumption instead of total chocolate consumption. It seems like it is more important to have small amounts of chocolate regularly then to eat a bunch at once. This is good news for me as I consume one square (10 grams) of dark chocolate (≥90% cocoa) every day.
2. Helps Control Overeating
A meta-analysis of 42 studies found that frequent chocolate consumption helps control blood-glucose levels, which can help control binge and overeating. Additionally, chocolate's benefits on insulin resistance reduce chances of type 2 diabetes.
3. Good For The Heart
According to a 2011 meta-analysis of chocolate studies, chocolate consumption was associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and 29% reduction in stroke. Sounds good to me.
4. Beautiful Skin
High flavanol levels in dark chocolate may make skin more supple and thick while also bringing more blood flow to the tissue. This study split women into two groups, one of which drank a high-flavanol drink (cocoa powder mixed with water) and the other a low-flavanol drink. Researchers found that the high-flavonol group had:
- increased blood flow to tissue
- increased skin hydration
- increased skin density
- decreased skin roughness and scaling