I don’t think there is anyone on this planet who doesn’t like chocolates. We may characterize our relationship with chocolate as committed and we all know why. Some might say that eating chocolates could be harmful but what if I say that it is okay to have chocolates? Yes, you read that right. Apart from being delicious, chocolates are packed with so many health benefits that you never knew.
Dark chocolates, sorry the white and milk chocolate don’t count, are loaded with antioxidants that are good for the body. It also contains phytonutrients called flavonoids that play a major role in preventing cancer and promoting heart health. Besides, the cacao plant from which chocolate is derived contains theobromine which is also reported to be helpful in reducing inflammation and lower blood pressure. Let us see some proven health benefits of chocolates and why should we eat them.
Helpful in improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure
Since we told you that flavonoids in dark chocolate can stimulate endothelium and lining arteries, they are very good for health. Several health-related studies suggest that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and help in lowering blood pressure.
Reduce heart-related diseases
Let us tell you that one of the greatest benefits of dark chocolate is that it improves heart health. Some health-related studies suggest that eating chocolates once per week lowers the risk of blocked arteries by 8 percent. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate produce nitric oxides which help blood vessels to relax.
Powerful source of antioxidants
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods. Since chocolate is considered rich in antioxidants, these are beneficial to the human body. It is reported that dark chocolate is reported to be packed with organic compounds that function as antioxidants. We are talking about dark chocolate and not milk chocolate.
May protect skin from the sun
You didn’t know this but dark chocolate can actually protect your skin from sun. The flavonoids present in dark chocolate increase skin density, skin hydration and improve blood flow.
Improves brain function
The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate improves blood flow in the brain and thus improves verbal learning, attention, and memory power. Cocoa flavonoids may help maintain cognitive function in older adults and reduce the chance of progressing to dementia.
Since we have talked much about health, let us show you a healthy and quick dessert that you can make from chocolate. Let us see how to make ragi chocolate cake. Not only you can indulge in this delight without feeling guilty but this dessert will also aid in weight management.
Ingredients
- 100 gm compound dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup ragi flour
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
Method
- Take a bowl and add chocolate compounds in smaller chunks.
- Melt them in a double boiler and keep them aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 100 degrees Celsius.
- Take a mixing bowl and whisk eggs until fluffy.
- Add sugar and continue whisking.
- Combine melted chocolate and butter.
- Pour the mixture into the egg and mix well.
- Now sift ragi flour and baking powder.
- Mix everything together and ensure there are no lumps.
- Transfer the batter into a mould.
- Bake it in the oven for 15 minutes
- When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
- Garnish with chocolate syrup and strawberries.
- Serve
Have this delicious ragi cake on your plate and let us know about other healthy dishes that you can make from chocolate. Enjoy!!
