Proven health benefits of chocolate

When it comes to eating chocolate, many of us think about how much sugar it contains and how consuming chocolate will make us fat. Well, that is nothing but a misconception: there are several health benefits to eating chocolate. In addition to tasting great, chocolate has positive effects on your skin as well as your mood, just to name a few...

A Swedish study found that among regular chocolate consumers (a couple of times a week), the risk of heart attacks is 7o% lower than among those who rarely or almost never ate chocolate.

Experts of a Scottish university also found that those who had suffered a heart attack and consumed chocolate during recovery were recovering faster than those who did not consume any chocolate.

What all experts, doctors and nutritionists agree on is that dark chocolate has many health benefits due to its high cocoa content.

Most of these is due to certain antioxidants called flavanols which help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of cancer. They also help protect your digestive system. All that glucose that is found in chocolate stimulates brain functions and increases concentration.

The darker the chocolate, the better, experts say. Dark chocolate contains the most beneficial antioxidants. American researchers have proven that chocolate has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, too. Chocolate contains substances that trigger the production of endorphins, commonly known as the happiness hormone. Dark chocolate contains the most happiness hormone-producing substances. Another benefit of endorphins is that they can also help with reducing pain.

So let’s see what science has to tell us about the benefits of eating chocolate

1 It’s good for your heart and blood circulation. New studies have shown that dark chocolate helps with restoring the flexibility of blood vessels and prevents blood cells from adhering to the wall of blood vessels.

2 Chocolate reduces the chance of a stroke. Finnish researchers have found that the risk of getting a stroke is 17% less for those consuming chocolate on a regular basis. That is a huge difference.

3 Chocolate is rich in minerals. Quality chocolates (70 +%) are perfect for potent minerals such as potassium, zinc and selenium. 1oo grams of chocolate might cover up to 67 percent of the recommended daily iron intake.

4 It also reduces cholesterol. Some studies say that cocoa consumption reduces 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) levels and increases levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in the body, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

5 Eating chocolate is good for your skin. Flavonols found in dark chocolate can protect your skin against the damaging effects of the sun - with that said, you’re still supposed to use sun cream.

6 It can help you lose weight. According to neurologist Will Clower, eating a piece of dark chocolate 20 minutes before meals, our brain’s hormones will help us feel fuller quicker which can make us eat less. Also, doing the same after a meal will help you snack less during the day.

7 Chocolate is good for both mom and baby. A Finnish study also showed that chocolate eased stress among pregnant women and babies of chocolate eating mothers smiled more than children of non-chocolate eating moms.

8 It can prevent diabetes. It might sound strange, but according to certain studies, cocoa can improve insulin sensitivity. Thanks to this, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can help delay or prevent diabetes.

9 It is also helps your brain to function. Flavanols may help with memory disorders of the elderly and the anti-inflammatory effect of dark chocolate may also help doctors in treating concussions.

10 Chocolate can help you lift your mood. It contains phenylethylamine (PEA) - this compound is often produced by our body when in love.

Having read this, you might feel like eating chocolate all day every day is finally justified but doctors recommend you limit your consumption to six or seven grams of dark chocolate a day.

Let me end by a not so scientific reason: no matter what experts say, trust your gut and eat that piece of chocolate for chocolate can truly heal a broken heart. Enjoy those endorphins!

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