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To quote Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” A little bit of chocolate can be a delectable treat… but can something that tastes so good be good for you? The good news, chocolate lovers, is that chocolate DOES have some health benefits when eaten in moderation. Read on as we unwrap the healthy side of chocolate.
Join The Dark Side
When it comes to choosing a healthy treat, go for dark chocolate over milk chocolate. It may taste more bitter than milk chocolate but the health benefits it affords are much greater. Dark chocolates have a higher cocoa content, consisting of anywhere from 50%-90% cacao solids. These solids are the non-fat part of the cocoa bean and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Milk chocolate, on the other hand, contains on average 10%-40% cacao solids. Not only do they possess less antioxidants and fiber, milk chocolates also have a higher sugar and fat content which can undercut any other health benefits they offer.
Brain Food
Feeling unfocused and sluggish during a study session? A couple of squares of chocolate or a piping cup of hot chocolate can give yourself a cognitive boost. Studies have found that chocolate can help improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of memory decline in older people. Chocolate also contains flavenols that help prevent damage to nerve pathways which can slow the development of cognitive decline.
Heart Smart
Chocolate isn’t good when it’s molded into a heart shape; it helps keep your heart IN shape! The high antioxidant content in dark chocolate could have a positive effect on your heart health. The antioxidants can relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which can in turn lower blood pressure. An improved blood flow is good for the heart.
Dark chocolate is also full of “good” cholesterol, which can lower your “bad” cholesterol levels. Decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol in your body helps lower the chances of plaque building up in your arteries, which could otherwise lead to a host of health problems if left to build up over time.
Bite Into Happiness
There’s a reason why people treat themselves to chocolate to feel better after a rough day. Chocolate can trigger the release of neurochemicals in the brain like dopamine which can reduce your stress levels and induce a feeling of positivity and relaxation in the body. Chocolate is also rich in polyphenols, which can lower cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the stress hormone, so anything that can help regulate it could improve your mood.
Article by Austin Brietta
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