We've always been told to eat light in the evening, since everything we consume will “keep us company” in bed. But what if we told you that eating dark chocolate before going to sleep could actually benefit your health?
Dark chocolate has so many properties: it's made up of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural substances with great antioxidant properties. It also provides important minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, which are essential for bone health, protecting our immune system and improving the quality of our sleep.
So yes to a chamomile infusion with a small square of dark chocolate… together they make an excellent bedtime ritual!
Among its benefits, the amount of antioxidants in cocoa helps reduce inflammation, regulate cholesterol and high blood pressure, protect our skin and benefit the brain, improving learning ability and memory.
Eating dark chocolate in the evening is recommended thanks to the amount of magnesium it contains, as this helps us rest better, sleep without interruptions and regulate body temperature, which is essential for optimal rest.
Furthermore, eating dark chocolate helps release serotonin, the happiness hormone. The chocolate must be at least 60%-70% cocoa to retain the properties and benefits of cocoa. You can eat dark chocolate every day without any problems, as long as you don't exceed 30 grams.
Cocoa also contains a substance called theobromine, which stimulates the central nervous system—a substance very similar to caffeine. If you don't have sleep problems and consume only a small amount, it won't affect the quality of your rest.
Will eating dark chocolate before bed become part of your new routine in 2024? It's certainly delicious and very beneficial for your health, as long as you stick to the right quality and quantity.