It’s always a pleasant surprise to read about chocolate in a positive manner especially as it’s something we all love to snack on from time to time. Chocolate should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, as well as in moderation but further to this, it doesn’t all have to be rules!
Most people don’t need an excuse to indulge in the wonderfully delicious world of chocolate, but just in case you do here’s 7 reason why…
1. Helps with cholesterol
Scientists have proven that specipicically dark chocolate and flavonoid rich cocoa powder reduces LDL – aka bad cholesterol oxidation.
2. Reduces inflammation
Studies how that when people ingested small amounts of dark chocolate, their levels of c-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker, decreased a certain amount.
3. Lots of antioxidants
As chocolate is high in flavonoids, which is an antioxidant in the polyphenol type category. Antioxidents are great because they help to prevent cell damage and have been linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases
4. Lowers blood pressure
Studies show that dark chocolate can have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure
5. Mood enhancer
As chocolate contains tryptophan which linked to serotonin. Research shows that chocolate can actually increase dopamine in the brain which is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine (PEA)
6. Helps with blood flow
Research shows that cocoa has anti-clotting, blood thinning properties that can work in a similar way to aspirin.
7. It’s delicious!