You might have heard about the fantastic benefits of chocolate on heart health, but did you know it could also help maintain muscle function? That’s right, this popular treat might not just be a guilty pleasure, but it could also contribute to keeping your muscles in good shape. Read on to discover how this sweet treat might help you maintain and improve muscular health.
###The Power of Dark Chocolate
Recently, researchers at the University of California (UC) San Diego School of Medicine analyzed the effects of dark chocolate on people suffering from advanced heart failure and type 2 diabetes. They found that consuming dark chocolate helped repair structures called mitochondria in muscle cells. These cell structures produce the energy that muscles require to function correctly.
To be more specific, after participants regularly consumed dark chocolate for three months, their muscles started producing new mitochondria and new cristae, essential mitochondrial compartments for efficient muscle function. According to one of the senior investigators, Francisco J. Villarreal, MD, PhD, of UC San Diego’s Department of Medicine’s Division of Cardiology, the cristae had been severely damaged and decreased in quantity in these patients. But after consuming dark chocolate for three months, cristae numbers returned to nearly normal levels, and several molecular indicators involved in new mitochondria production increased.
###What Makes Dark Chocolate So Beneficial?
The magic ingredient which makes dark chocolate so beneficial for your muscles is the presence of flavonoids — a group of plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant properties. Flavonoids protect your body from cell damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals generated during everyday processes, such as exposure to pollution, stress, and inflammation. Additionally, flavonoids in dark chocolate have been found to improve blood flow, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
These beneficial properties are why dark chocolate containing a high percentage of cocoa is considered healthier than milk or white chocolate, which contains less cocoa and more sugar and fat. It’s essential to choose high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher to reap the maximum benefits from it.
###Support Your Muscles With More Than Just Dark Chocolate
While dark chocolate has many benefits for your muscles, it’s essential to keep a balanced and varied diet to maintain overall muscle health. Eating a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals — such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products — will provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function correctly and maintain muscle strength.
Additionally, don’t forget to engage in regular exercise, ideally a mix of cardio and strength-training workouts, to help maintain and build muscle mass. So while you’re munching on that delicious dark chocolate, consider adding some simple exercises to your daily routine, such as brisk walks or bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
###Moderation Is Key
While dark chocolate has numerous health benefits, it’s essential to remember that moderation is key. As dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat, overindulging in it can lead to weight gain, which isn’t going to help your muscles.
A small square or two of high-quality dark chocolate is all you need to enjoy its muscle-boosting benefits. So go ahead and treat yourself now and then, but make sure to keep an eye on the quantity and make it part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
###Conclusion
In conclusion, researchers have found that dark chocolate could help improve muscle function, thanks to its high content of flavonoids. However, to maintain overall muscle health, it’s essential to combine the consumption of dark chocolate with a balanced and varied diet, regular exercise, and moderate intake.
So the next time you find yourself craving a tasty treat, consider reaching for a piece of high-quality dark chocolate and feel good knowing that you’re not only satisfying your sweet tooth but also potentially aiding your muscles in the process.
