Oh, the joy of chocolate. Now there are more reasons to eat delicious dark chocolate than simply satisfy a craving. Touted as the number one antioxidant food, chocolate is setting the standard when it comes to overall health and wellness. Chocolate is not only more craved than any other food on the planet, but it also does wonders for the skin, aids in weight loss, improves oral health, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood.
great for your skin
For hundreds of years, cocoa butter has been a famous skin care treatment, but recent studies show that eating chocolate can improve skin quality and reduce wrinkles. The reason why cocoa butter is used in all moisturizer categories is its unique combination of natural ingredients. Cocoa butter contains fats and antioxidants, which help protect the outer layer of the skin by shielding it from damage and retaining moisture. People are also looking for chocolate for skin care. Marlies Spinale, director of Tru Spa says that “like many other antioxidants, cocoa polyphenols are believed to offer protection to the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun, pollution, stress, consumption of alcohol and other factors.
Helps you lose weight
Chocolate is a natural appetite suppressant and curbs cravings for junk food. Chocolate has chemicals that block cravings for sweets that often trigger the vicious cycle of overeating. These chemicals satisfy the brain’s craving messages by slowly releasing nutrients into the body, stopping sugar cravings and stopping the overeating cycle before it starts.
healthy mouth
It is important to note that dark chocolate products are the most beneficial for all areas of health, including oral health. Several studies indicate that chocolate may benefit the mouth and help prevent cavities. Cocoa is believed to contain a type of inhibitory property, as emerging research has identified polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins as the key substances that benefit teeth. When it comes to oral health, foods with cocoa and dark chocolate can reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, relieve bleeding gums, reverse fissures, improve breath odor, and reduce the risk of cavities.
lowers blood pressure
The flavonoids in chocolate can help keep blood vessels elastic, which can lower blood pressure and lessen stress on the heart. Foods rich in flavonoids, such as fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, and chocolate, may offer cardiovascular benefits and should be part of an overall healthy diet.
mood elevator
Eating chocolate is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, producing a positive feeling similar to a “runner’s high”. Chocolate also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as an antidepressant. The PEA found in chocolate may be responsible for the romantic associations we have with food, as PEA can increase serotonin and endorphin levels and increase libido. Feelings that mimic the way we feel when we’re in love may be why it’s easy for some people to become addicted to chocoholics.
So go ahead and eat more chocolate, your body will thank you later!