According to Healthline, 100 gm dark chocolate, with 70-85 per cent cocoa, has 11 gm fibre, 66 per cent iron, 57 per cent magnesium, 196 per cent copper, 85 per cent manganese etc. It also contains potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
How much to eat: 20-30 gm a day, says Medical News Today.
Dark chocolate contains flavanols and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. They prevent oxidative stress, protect cells and tissues from damage, enhance your skin health, reports Medical News Today.
The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate prevent skin sun damage, improves blood flow, and increases skin density and hydration, says Healthline.
Flavanol epicatechin in dark chocolate battles inflammation, wards off damage in the cell from free radicals and supports the body's ability to utilise insulin more effectively, potentially helping to prevent or else fight diabetes, states John Hopkins Medicine.
John Hopkins Medicine also says that the flavanols in dark chocolate enhance brain function. Harvard Health suggests dark chocolate's its ability to improve brain processes might protect it from diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, perhaps because of better blood flow to the brain.
Polyphenolic compounds present in dark chocolate contribute to feelings of pleasure and enjoyment, boosting mood, recommends Cleveland Clinic.
Consuming dietary flavonoids, which are the antioxidants found in dark chocolate, is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease, states the American Heart Association.
Some research suggests that dark chocolate may help in improving vision, at least in the short term, even 2 hours later. More research is needed to confirm this benefit, cautions WebMD.