Chocolates are something that are eaten and beloved by people of all age groups but did you know that your favorite guilty pleasure actually has several properties that are beneficial to you?
Well read on to find out about the various benefits of eating chocolate :
1) Chocolate is nutritious!
Yes you heard right! Good quality chocolate is not only high in antioxidants but is also very nutritious. Of course, the darker the chocolate the better, but any 70 percent dark chocolate or higher contains antioxidants, fiber, potassium, calcium, copper, and magnesium which is great for the human body.
2) It’s good for the heart
Several studies show that the flavanoids present in chocolate are very good for the heart! It was shown that the risk of getting a heart attack and the risk of strokes in individuals with a higher consumption of chocolate were reduced by about 37% and 29% respectively. So when you eat your next bar of chocolate know that you are doing your heart a favor.
3) Chocolate helps with cholesterol
It is shown that chocolate helps reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol, which in high amounts can clog arteries, and also that cocoa butter in dark chocolate may also play a part in raising high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. So next time you pick up some chocolate at the supermarket, know that you are in fact fighting bad cholesterol.
4) Chocolate is good for your eyes
A study by the University of Reading showed that consuming dark chocolate actually helps improve vision. A study was conducted where two groups were given dark and milk chocolate respectively and it was shown that the group that was given dark chocolate did much better on vision tests afterwards. So chocolate in fact can help you see better!
5) Chocolate may help reduce the chances of getting cancer
As we’ve talked about before the flavanols contained in chocolate have both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics play a vital role in keeping free radicals at bay which are a major cause of concern when it comes to cancer. So eat your share of chocolate and fight cancer all at the same time.
6) Chocolate is a mood lifter
Perhaps you have known this already but the science behind this is sound. Dark chocolate contains endorphins which induce a feeling of pleasure, the serotonin present in them play an antidepressant that can elevate mood, and the flavanols present in them are also known to have mood enhancing effects.
7) Chocolate may help protect your skin
A 2006 study in The Journal of Nutrition showed that the flavanoids in dark chocolate help absorb UV light, increase blood flow to the skin, improve skin texture, and increase skin hydration. So if you want healthier glowy skin, eat more chocolate!
So next time you bite into a decadent piece of chocolate do it guilt free, knowing that not only is it delicious it also has several redeeming qualities.