subject: There Really Is A Healthy Chocolate [print this page] What if I told you to give in to that next chocolate craving?
How about that for a prescription? There really is such a thing as Healthy Chocolate! hat's not very far-fetched when you are talking about dark chocolate. Studies have found these delicious desserts we were once ashamed to eat too much of... may actually have a variety of health benefits. These benefits include lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
According to a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association, dark chocolate can lower high blood pressure, when eaten along with a balanced diet. The same has not been found for white chocolate or milk chocolate. However, dark chocolate has been found to be high in potent antioxidants, making this type of chocolate the healthy chocolate. Antioxidants fight free radicals, the destructive molecules that are the cause of many illnesses and disease including heart disease.
Dark chocolate has been proven in multiple studies to make you feel better. About two chocolates per day could help boost the serotonin levels in your brain and stimulates endorphin production, which can improve your overall level of happiness. That's why you might find yourself craving chocolate when under stress, and will actually experience a mood-boost after eating the chocolate. Dark chocolate also contains caffeine and stimulants, so you will be more alert too. These effects can be particularly helpful for people who are prone to anxiety or those who are experiencing a higher level of stress than usual. Now you can feel pretty good about eating that bar of chocolate you've been eyeing.
The key ingredient that makes dark chocolate a healthier option than white or milk chocolates are the compounds found in the plant called cocoa phenols. According to a report in The Journal of the American Medical Association, dark chocolate can lower high blood pressure, when eaten along with a balanced diet. The same has not been found for white chocolate or milk chocolate.
Dark chocolate is high in potent antioxidants, making this type of chocolate the healthy chocolate. These antioxidants are key in combatting free radicals, the destructive molecules in your body that are the cause of a variety of illnesses, including heart disease.
As if the first three reasons aren't enough good news, chocolate has actually been proven to make you feel better too. About two chocolates per day could very likely help boost the serotonin levels in your brain, as well release those powerful antioxidants in the body we mentioned before. This can actually boost your mood after eating the chocolate. And because chocolate contains caffeine and some additional stimulants, you will be more alert as well. This includes dark chocolate, which contains mood-boosting serotonin for the brain and stimulates endorphin production. These effects can be particularly helpful for people who are prone to anxiety or those who are experiencing more stress than usual. What better justification for grabbing that bar of chocolate you've been eyeing?
So next time a dark chocolate is left on your hotel pillow go ahead and gobble it up guilt free. It's good for you!
