BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is magical. It seems that almost everybody loves chocolate. The rich bittersweet flavor and the cozy feeling it gives us has made it an indulgence that many enjoy. But indulging is bad right? Nope, not in the slightest. Chocolate is incredible for your health, and I’m going to show you how. Too good to be true? Nope. (:
Antioxidant Power
Dark chocolate has a higher antioxidant level than acai berries! Antioxidants neutralize free radicals(harmful compounds created by the body during cellular processes that contribute to inflammation and disease) to protect the body from oxidative stress.
Essential Minerals
In a mineral depleted world, getting adequate minerals is more difficult than ever. Dark Chocolate is here to help. It contains Iron, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese.
Flavanols for Heart Health
Flavanols are polyphenols(plant compounds) that are associated with many heart health benefits. Flavanols can Upregulate Nitric Oxide production,(just like viagra) which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow to the brain and heart.
Healthy Fats
Chocolate has monounsaturated fats(same fats that give olive oil its’ heart healthy benefits) and as well as saturated fat(saturated fat has been wrongly demonized due to a misinterpretation of data) Here is a study on saturated fat and heart disease, “A meta study (a study of other studies) published in the January 2010 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that there is “no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or cardiovascular disease.” Both these fats are crucial for a healthy diet.
Boosts Skin Health
A study in London determined that eating chocolate can significantly protect the skin from UV light. Other studies have shown that Dark Chocolate can reduce skin roughness, enhance hydration and improve blood flow to the skin. Dark Chocolate is a Stud.
Psychoactive Compounds
Endocannabinoids, Terpenes and Xanthines all play a role in Chocolates brain altering effects. The Endocannabinoid Anandamide(in chocolate) is associated with the runner’s high and is known as the bliss molecule. The three terpenes Myrcene, Linalool, and Ocimene have anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and muscle relaxant effects. The Xanthine known as Theobromine is a body stimulant that gives you energy without the jitters that a mental stimulant like caffeine would. There is a little Caffeine in Chocolate(along with the stimulating Theobromine), so be aware when eating chocolate too late in the day.
So there you have it, dark chocolate is incredible for your health. No need to resist your Chocolate craving anymore. Just make sure you find a Dark chocolate that is above 60% Cacao/Cocoa(both have all the health benefits I wrote about above) and not too many sugars/preservative. Here is an article from Ben Greenfield that talks about some very high quality brands of chocolate.
