Dark Chocolate: Because Love Can Be Bittersweet

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Whether or not you’re in a relationship, Valentine’s Day represents something we all love: chocolate. Most people, however, like sophomore mechanical engineering major Sam Bollinger, “only buy milk chocolate” for Valentine’s Day. This year, you might want to reconsider your purchases! Dark chocolate provides a wide range of health benefits that can totally justify this seasonal chocolate binge. Here are five facts you should know about dark chocolate and some easy and healthy ways to incorporate it into snacks.

Dark chocolate gives your skin a boost

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants called flavanols. Flavanols can help remove harmful free radicals in the body. As explained by University of Maryland’s campus dietitian Jane Jakubczak, “Free radicals are what damage our cells.” Free radicals steal electrons from cells through a process called oxidation, which can damage a cell’s membrane, proteins and DNA. Eating dark chocolate can help fight free radicals, keeping your skin supple, soft and youthful.

Dark chocolate improves cognitive function

Flavanols can also stimulate your blood flow. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the increased blood flow caused by regular chocolate consumption led to higher performance in memory, learning, and attention.

Eating chocolate prevents heart disease

A Harvard study revealed that people who had two to six servings of chocolate weekly were 20 percent less likely to be affected by atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that raises the risk of heart failure, stroke and dementia.

The higher the percentage of cacao, the more health benefits you’ll get

The cacao content of dark chocolate is generally 50 percent to 70 percent. The more cacao dark chocolate contains, the more packed it is with nutrients. Like many, Erin Nolan, a freshman architecture major loves chocolate. “... but I only eat milk,” she said. Lighter milk chocolate has more milk and sugar than dark chocolate. It also contains additional fat, which can make it a less nutritious option. Luckily, Jakubczak admitted that even milk chocolate lovers reap some of the benefits as those who stick to dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate helps with mental health

Indulging in any type of chocolate can stimulate your brain and make you feel happier, because it elevates the production of endorphins, hormones that incite happiness. “It does increase our feel-good brain chemistry,” said Jakubczak. While she advised against using dark chocolate in place of an official antidepressant, she said, “[Chocolate] is a mood enhancer, so we can look at it as helping both physical and mental health.”

Jakubczak also recommends recipes that pair dark chocolate with other healthy foods to maximize benefits.

For a quick, dorm-friendly snack, try this: Microwave bits of dark chocolate in 15-second intervals and stir until fully melted. Add the melted chocolate to whatever your heart desires: cashews, bananas, strawberries, pretzels, etc. You can also use the melted chocolate to make bark by spreading it out, adding toppings, then allowing it to cool. I recommend adding almonds, sea salt or even dried cranberries.