The Best Time of Day to Eat Dark Chocolate, According to Experts

Dark chocolate has many health benefits, from its anti-inflammatory properties to its impact on your cholesterol and your heart health. It was even linked to the prevention of cancer, dementia and mood disorders.

But while you eat dark chocolate count? Although research is still new, some researchers say.

Here is what nutrition experts have to say when you should eat dark chocolate – or jump to the results.

Dark chocolate is known to be Good for your heart and brain health when consumed in moderation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can even protect you from heart disease, certain types of cancer and brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. He can even stimulate.

Here is a ventilation of the strengthening components of dark chocolate nutrients:

• Theobromine: It is a slight stimulant found in cocoa that increases energy and vigilance. “It has a softer effect than caffeine but contributes to a high global mood,” said Lisa Schultz, CN, CPT said Health.
• Caffeine: Caffeine helps vigilance and can improve mood by increasing the signaling of dopamine, explains Schultz.
• Phenylethylamine (pea): Often called “Love Chemical”, Schultz says that PEA promotes the release of endorphins and imitates the feeling of being in love or feeling pleasure. This can induce a subtle mood elevator.
• Anandamide: According to Schultz, this neurotransmitter is known as the “molecule of happiness” and temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression, creating a slight euphoric effect.
• Flavonoids (in particular epicatechine): Flavonoids improve blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function and long-term mental well-being, according to Schultz. “Some studies suggest that flavonoids also help reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone).”
• Magnesium: According to Schultz, dark chocolate is a natural source of magnesium, a mineral known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

There have been very few studies at the time of dark chocolate. As long as you eat a balanced diet, there is Nothing magic at the time of the day, you eat dark chocolateAndrew Odegaard, MPH, PHD, An aggregated professor of epidemiology and biostatistics on the UC Irvine program in public health, told Health.

In the end, when you eat dark chocolate What suits you best and what you hope to do.

Here are a few guidelines at the time of day can be the best for your needs.

The morning

If you want Boost your concentration and mental energyYou may want to eat chocolate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.. Eating it earlier in the day could also provide a sweet satiety that you may want. Some research also suggests that eating it earlier in the day can reduce the desires later.

In the afternoon

If you have trouble Afternoon desires, low energy or a drop in your mood, You may want to eat chocolate between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m..

If you are like many people and you feel an afternoon crisis, Schultz says that theobromine and caffeine in dark chocolate can give you this collection that you have to spend these last hours of the working day. “It is also less likely to disrupt sleep if it is consumed before 4 pm,” she said.

Evening

Even if dark chocolate has a minimum of caffeine, it can still have an impact on sensitive sleepers. “Eat dark chocolate [late] In the evening, can also trigger desires or end -of -evening snacks in some people, “said Schultz.

If you are not worried about the potential impact on sleep, there is evidence that eating dark chocolate just after dinner could be beneficial for brain health.

Although research is limited, studies on dark chocolate show that it can actually have Different advantages depending on the moment you eat it.

The reasons for these different advantages are not yet known but are actively sought.

Eating dark chocolate can reduce your cholesterol, improve cognitive function, stimulate mood, fight inflammation and reduce stress. Depending on your nutrition goals and needsYou can even adapt these advantages by eating it at specific times of the day.

Eating dark chocolate in the morning can stimulate mood and reduce your candy desires later, while eating it in the afternoon can give you an increase in energy. Eating it in the evening can be beneficial for brain health.

To determine when you have to eat dark chocolate, think of your goals and your needs.