Love it or hate it, chocolate is probably one of the most commonly consumed foods across the world. It’s delicious, it is a comfort food, and it even seems like everyone loves it. But is there more to this delicious treat than meets the eye? In this article, we’ll discuss how chocolate can actually be good for your health. From improving your mood to preventing certain diseases, you’ll be surprised at how many benefits chocolate can offer you.
Chocolate Can Boost Your Mood
We’ve all been there. You have a bad day, you don’t feel your best, and you need something to make you feel better. Well, chocolate can actually help! Eating chocolate has been shown to increase serotonin levels and improve mood. And if that’s not enough to convince you, studies have also found that eating chocolate increases the levels of happy hormones like dopamine and endorphins!
It Can Protect Against Heart Diseases
Many people know that chocolate is delicious, but they don’t know that it can actually protect them from heart diseases. In a study published in the journal Circulation, scientists found that those who ate more than two servings of cocoa a day had up to a 27% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This means you can indulge without worrying!
Chocolate Is Good For The Skin
One of the lesser-known health benefits of chocolate is that it can actually help improve your skin. The cocoa in dark chocolate has many antioxidants, which are essential for your skin’s elasticity and hydration. In fact, research suggests that consuming two ounces of dark chocolate per day can have a visible effect on the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet.
It Has Anti-Cancer Properties
There is evidence that suggests that cocoa may have cancer-fighting properties. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols can help reduce tumor growth in mice with breast cancer.
It May Help Control Diabetes
One of the most common diseases plaguing the world is diabetes. There are many different types of diabetes and one of them, type 2 diabetes, can be controlled by eating chocolate. The cocoa in chocolate helps to lower blood sugar levels which can help prevent or control diabetes. With this disease becoming more prevalent, it’s important to know that there are simple ways to help prevent or control it.
Dark Chocolate Is More Beneficial Than Milk Chocolate
When you think of chocolate, what do you typically picture? It’s likely milk chocolate. However, dark chocolate is actually more beneficial than milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is made with cocoa powder and contains high levels of antioxidants which are excellent for your health. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, has significantly lower levels of antioxidants and is often loaded with sugar which can be harmful to your health. For example, sugar can lead to insulin spikes, which might increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cocoa Has Anti-Oxidant Properties
One of the most enjoyable things about chocolate is the rich, decadent taste. It tastes like pure happiness in every bite. But did you know that cocoa has anti-oxidant properties? Cocoa has about three times as many antioxidants as red wine and green tea, making it a healthy choice for an antioxidant boost. You can also find cocoa in other foods, like milk and cookies.
Cocoa Is Also Rich In Magnesium – An Essential Nutrient
Cocoa is also rich in magnesium – an essential nutrient. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, and it’s especially important to maintain a healthy heart. Chocolate can be a great way to get your daily dose of magnesium!
Summary of How Chocolate Can Actually Be Good For Your Health
Chocolate is a food that’s often associated with indulgence and happiness. And it turns out that there are many health benefits of chocolate to be discovered. So don’t let the myth go unchallenged! Head to the article for more information on chocolate’s many benefits.