10 Reasons Why You Should Be Eating Chocolate

Is there anything more delicious than chocolate? It's no surprise that the scientific name for the cacao tree is Theobroma cacao which translates to “food of the gods”. The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs valued cacao beans so much that they used them as money! They traded cacao beans for goods and services. 

For centuries people worldwide have been indulging in chocolate not only for its rich flavour but for its numerous health perks. It comes in the most delicious varieties: dark, milk or white but dark is especially known to offer a host of health benefits that make it even more appealing. Let's dive into the many health benefits it has: 

Chocolate but particularly dark chocolate is packed with minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium as well as loaded with antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds help fight off oxidative stress which contribute to ageing and disease. Flavonoids in particular found in the cocoa bean help combat inflammation and support oxidative stress. 

Chocolate doesn’t only make you feel good because it's delicious but it actually contains compounds like serotonin and phenylethylamine (PEA) which make you feel relaxed and happy. At the same time when enjoying your favourite chocolate endorphins are released giving you that natural ‘feel good’ hormone associated with happiness and comfort. 

Moderate amounts of dark chocolate can have a positive effect on heart health. The flavonoids in chocolate support blood circulation, reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease. Chocolate has also been associated with better cholesterol levels by increasing the ”good cholesterol’ HDL and decreasing the, so called, "bad” one LDL.

Chocolate contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine which help with mental alertness and cognitive function. The flavonoids in cocoa improve blood flow to the brain potentially helping reduce the risks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease. It may also help with concentration and memory being a useful tool in the short term for those suffering from attention deficit. 

The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can provide a gentle energy boost without the intensity and jitters that can sometimes happen with coffee. 

Studies have shown that the flavonoids in chocolate may actually benefit the skin contrary to the popular myth it causes acne. The antioxidants in the flavonoids help protect the skin from UV damage improving skin hydration and even enhance complexion by the increase of blood flow to the skin. 

Of course eating lots of chocolate will pack on the pounds but research has shown that the fibre and fat content in dark chocolate can promote satiety and reduce cravings and overall calorie consumption and may actually help with weight management by helping regulate metabolism. 

Athletes benefit from consuming chocolate as it has been found to help increase nitric oxide levels in the blood enhancing the oxygen availability during workouts. This improves endurance, improves overall exercise performance and reduces fatigue. 

Incredibly enough dark chocolate contains theobromine that is known to strengthen tooth enamel and help protect against cavities if you skip the sugar! 

To maximise the benefits outlined above it is recommended to go for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content of 70% or higher. These varieties contain less sugar compared to white or milk chocolate and have more antioxidants and less calories. White chocolate isn’t technically even chocolate as it doesn’t contain cocoa solids, it's made from cocoa butter, sugar and milk solids. It is also important to look at the labels and consume a chocolate with minimum additives and artificial ingredients to reap the full benefits.

Chocolate is more than just absolutely delicious; it has a whole array of health benefits when consumed in moderation. It can improve heart health, brain function, mood and skin and therefore can be an important addition to a balanced diet. Enjoy dark chocolate (70% or more) in moderation guilt free knowing it is actually doing some good to your body.

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