Chocolate is something many of us reach for in different situations. It can be used for celebration, sadness, happiness, stress, boredom, whatever the cause may be, chocolate can usually put a smile on someone’s face. Typically something that is considered a treat is not usually considered a healthy option to consume. However, there have recently been studies conducted that are proving that consuming dark chocolate is actually having many positive health benefits. Now health benefits are not going to come from ripping open a box or bag of chocolate candy and consuming it all in one sitting. But consuming a small quantity of good quality dark chocolate now and again will provide you some of the positive side effects.
Dark chocolate is good for the heart and circulation. It can help restore flexibility back to the arteries. It also prevents the white blood cells from sticking to the walls of the blood vessels. Both of which are common causes of clogged arteries.
Dark chocolate is rich with minerals. It contains potassium, zinc and selenium. All of which are minerals that are required in a regular diet. It can help reduce the risk of a stroke. A research study out of Finland showed a 17 percent drop in a group of men they tested who consumed dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate can be good for your skin. The flavonols in chocolate will help protect your skin against sun damage. Chocolate has also been proven beneficial for the brain. The flavonols have also been shown to reduce memory loss in people as they get older. The anti-inflammatory qualities that are found in dark chocolate can also help treat brain injuries such as concussions.
Dark chocolate can also help you lose weight, if you can imagine that. If you put a small square of chocolate on your tongue for about 20 minutes before you eat a meal, it will trigger a hormone in your brain that will let you know that you are full. This will in turn cut down on the amount of food that you consume. Also, if you consume a small piece of chocolate after a meal, it could help reduce the amount of snacking that will happen.
Dark chocolate has been known to reduce the levels of LDL Cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and raise up the levels of HDL Cholesterol (The good cholesterol). This will in turn help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also help prevent diabetes. Cocoa can help improve the sensitivity of insulin. This in turn could delay or even prevent diabetes.
When it comes down to it, chocolate just makes you feel better. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, also known as PEA. This is the same chemical that is released by your brain when you feel like you are falling in love. This PEA will encourage your brain to release the endorphins that make you feel good. Chocolate is essentially good for your soul. But it is important to remember that not all chocolate will fall under this category. You need to consume chocolate that is grown with raw materials, has been treated properly and by those who take care in their work. This chocolate will not be che
