It is something that anyone who is a fan of chocolate will tell you!
Chocolate has been a favorite treat for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. This delicious treat is not only a mood booster, but it also tastes great and comes in an ever-growing number of flavor combinations, meaning that there is usually going to be a new flavor to try at most times.
However, what most people are not aware of is that, when consumed responsibly and with minimal sugar, chocolate can be incredibly good for your health. That’s not to say you should go on a chocolate binge, but it is worth not ruling out the darker kinds of chocolate if you are looking for a healthy, sweet addition to your daily snack.
So, here are five reasons why chocolate is good for your health.
Chocolate Can Improve Heart Health
It may seem counterintuitive that a sweet treat could be good for your heart, but studies have shown that eating chocolate in moderation can actually improve heart health. Yes, even those funny-looking dark chocolate lollipops! This is because chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants. These have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Chocolate Can Boost Brain Function
Not only does chocolate taste great, but it can also help boost brain function. This is because chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are stimulants that can improve cognitive function, including memory and focus.
As well as this, chocolate has been found to boost the production of neurochemical dopamine, which has been linked to focus and creativity. So, if you are feeling sluggish or low on ideas, some chocolate may be just what you need to get your creative juices flowing!
Chocolate Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a worrying and common health concern in the West, but did you know that chocolate may help lower your risk? This is because the flavanols in chocolate can help relax blood vessels around the body, which can help reduce blood pressure.
Remember, this is not the case if you are just shoveling in bars of milk chocolate, so aim to keep your chocolate consumption to once a day and aim for chocolates that are higher in cocoa. Also, take care with the darker chocolates if you suffer from migraines, as they can worsen them and will obviously not be good for your blood pressure.
Chocolate Can Improve Mood
It’s no secret that chocolate can be a mood booster, but did you know that it may actually have a physiological effect on the brain? Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a compound that can help boost levels of serotonin and endorphins, two chemicals that have been found to help regulate mood and promote feelings of calmness and happiness.
Chocolate Can Improve Skin Health
While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, chocolate may actually help improve skin health. This is because chocolate contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause premature aging and wrinkles. Of course, make sure you are also drinking plenty of water and having a varied diet for the best skin health.
