If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’re probably looking for any excuse to delve into your biggest guilty pleasure. However, there’s actually scientific evidence that shows we don’t have to feel so guilty…not when it comes to dark chocolate. I had long heard of the benefits of eating dark chocolate, but had no idea that they were as beneficial as they are. I scoured a few websites like Fitday, WebMD, and Huffington Post to discover a lot of fascinating facts that make me feel good about eating every bite. Here’s the skinny:
Health Benefits:
Cocoa solids have compounds called flavonoids that are healthy because they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent other molecules from gaining oxygen or losing electrons (called oxidation). Oxidation is closely related to free radical damage, so antioxidants are like the hero who bursts through the door and “takes out” the bad guys. Particularly those for fighting aging and cancer are the best known and appreciated by those who seek antioxidants. (Thanks Wikipedia.)
Looking for foods with a low glycemic index? You have found one! Dark chocolate will not raise your blood sugar and may even help protect against type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids are helpful in insulin resistance because they can help your cells function normally and use your body’s insulin the correct way.
As if that weren’t enough, it provides your brain with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of stroke. You know that feeling when you fall in love? That is a chemical that is created in our brain called phenylethylamine (PEA). Guess what… dark chocolate contains that chemical. Really! Have you ever bitten into a piece and felt your mood literally change for the better and happier? That’s why. You know what else makes that feeling? Reduce stress. Stress is something else besides oxidation and free radicals that are thought to be strongly associated with wrinkling of the skin. Your guilty pleasure is actually helping you look younger! I want to be like that chef on TV who yells “bam” after all. This information is making me so happy! Thats not all!
Cocoa solids also contain a chemical compound called theobromine that has been shown to harden tooth enamel. So if you practice proper dental hygiene, you don’t have to worry about it damaging your teeth like many other sweets. In addition to hardening tooth enamel, theobromine is known for its ability to help suppress coughs. So when the seasonal cold hits, you know where to turn for extra help after you’ve downed your cough syrup. Do you need better nutrition? You’ll also find high concentrations of some very important vitamins and minerals in cocoa solids, including potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Those are some very important vitamins and minerals for hair growth, so if you’re missing a few strands at the top…eating your favorite guilty pleasure can help.
When you were a kid, did you sing that song, “Butterbeans, butterbeans, good for your heart”?
Well, replace the beans with dark chocolate and you won’t have to sing the flatulent ending to that song. Instead, you can say “The more you eat it, the smarter you’ll be!” You’ll get improved blood flow and help prevent hardening of the arteries and blood clots. This is like the superfood that has been hiding!
So how much should you eat? I know, I know after reading all that, you’ll want to eat loads every day; but we must remember that even with all the health benefits, you can get too much of a good thing. The recommendation is a “small amount” three times a week. I would prefer a small amount at least every day, right? Here’s what I learned about dark chocolate in my role as a Lindt RSVP Consultant… when it comes to a premium product, it only takes a little to satisfy. I still eat it every day instead of just three times a week, but I don’t eat much every day. I don’t need to! A little goes a long way.
It is recommended that you choose a product that has at least eighty percent cocoa solids. The higher the percentage, the more of all the benefits you just read about will be present. Still, a small profit is better than no profit, so find the highest percentage you like best and go with it.
Beauty Benefits:
I find it hard to believe that someone could “waste” good chocolate by not eating it, but there are some beauty tips that say it can do great things. Since we now know the benefits of cocoa solids on the skin, you could make a homemade body scrub with brown sugar, olive oil, cocoa powder, and vanilla. That would smell amazing. Chances are your spouse “gets it” a lot! Worried about UV damage? You could use it as sunscreen, but I can’t imagine who would! Maybe really rich people? For shinier locks of hair, you can make a hair mask by adding honey and yogurt and basking in the sun for about an hour. Some things seem too hard to get out once they’re inside me, so I don’t think I’ll try.
From a healthy heart to beautiful hair, we’ve run through many wonderful reasons to delve into dark chocolate. I hope you have learned some new things like me. Whether you eat it in a chocolate bar or sip it hot from a mug… go eat, drink and have fun. I know I will!