1. It helps your brain - Chocolate is thought to stimulate your brain in a number of ways. The important
flavenoids found in dark chocolate are known to have anti-inflammatory
properties that can reduce memory loss in older people, and improve the
faculties of those suffering from brain injuries like concussions.
Chocolate is also
known to reduce stress, which is one of the most common lifestyle factors that
can have a detrimental effect on your cognitive function.
Chocolate can also
boost concentration by lifting your blood sugar levels in the afternoon. Dark
chocolate has a relatively low glycemic index which makes it a good choice for
giving you an energy boost without a sugar spike. [i]
2.
It helps
prevent heart disease - People who regularly consume 70% dark
chocolate (about 20 g per day) show a marked improvement in blood flow, while
no improvement is observed in those who eat “processed” chocolate, which
contains very little cocoa paste. [ii]
3.
It helps with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) -There’s a
reason for certain food cravings at that time of the month. Chocolate releases
calming endorphins that reduce anxiety and its high in magnesium, which lifts
moods and reduces water retention. Overindulging in sugar, salt and caffeine can
backfire, causing bloating and fluid retention (not to mention weight gain).
4. It
makes you feel good - Sometimes the
only reason you need for why you consume something is that it makes you feel
good. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical many scientists link with
the feeling of excitement and emotional well-being that replicates the
experience of falling in love.
Even the smell of
chocolate is thought to have health benefits as it has been found to slow down
our brain waves, making us feel calm and content.[iii]
5.
It may improve
your skin - The compounds in chocolate act as Ultraviolet
(UV) filters. After twelve weeks, the chocolate eaters’ skin was
16 % denser and 42 % less scaly. Concerned about it causing acne? Nothing
suggests that chocolate triggers blemishes.
6.
It may lower
cholesterol - Daily consumption of cocoa flavanol (containing dark
chocolate) lowered cholesterol and improved blood pressure.
7.
It may prevent
pregnancy complications - A chemical (theobromine) found in
chocolate may reduce preeclampsia, a major pregnancy complication. [iv]
8. It may reduce pain - Eating chocolate and drinking a glass of water can help relieve pain, a study has found. The
distraction of eating and drinking water for pleasure acts as a natural way of
beating pain, the researchers
discovered.
9. It
reduces the risk of diabetes - Consuming
high levels of flavanols found in foods like chocolate is linked to reduced insulin resistance and improved
glucose regulation, which suggests it may be protective against type 2 diabetes.[v]
10.
It’s loaded
with antioxidants - Dark chocolate contains hefty amounts of disease-fighting flavenoids, antioxidants also found in red wine and many
fruits and vegetables…[vi]
Ø
“A new British survey
has revealed that nine out of ten people like Chocolate. The tenth lies.” [vii]
[i] Point adapted from the article, “9 Reasons To Eat Chocolate” from
(www.lifeadvicesource.com)
[ii] The title of this post is adapted from the quote by Disney actress,
Zendaya. “I'm a chocolate addict.”
[iii] Point adapted from the article, “9 Reasons To Eat Chocolate” from
(www.lifeadvicesource.com)
[iv] Preeclampsia is primarily noted
for raising blood pressure in pregnant women, and eating chocolate helps to
lower this risk by up to 69 percent. The study of nearly 2,300 women
established greater benefits to those who ate five or more servings per week,
especially in their third trimester.
[v] Point adapted from the article, “9 Reasons to Eat
More Chocolate Today (and Every Day)” by Jonathan Galland and Google Answers
[vi]All other point adapted from the article, “7
Reasons Why Chocolate is Healthy” by Best Health (and Google Answers)
[vii] Quote by Robert Paul
[viii] Quote by Michelle
M. Pillow
No comments:
Post a Comment