Health Benefits of (Dark) Chocolate

Who doesn't enjoy a nice piece of dark chocolate?? I do, I do, I do! Add some raisins in there and forget about it...I'm in heaven. Or some spice!

There are so many health benefits for dark chocolate!

It lowers not only blood pressure, but also lowers cholesterol.

Chocolate stimulates endorphins which are feelings of pleasure + happiness. (Hmm...maybe why depressed people cling to eating chocolate!)

Serotonin is also in chocolate, which is an anti-depressant.

Flavonoids are abundant in dark chocolate. These flavonoids act as antioxidants which protects the body from aging. Compared to strawberries, dark chocolate as eight times as many antioxidants. Flavonoids also increase blood flow to your brain - so you're much more on your toes. Flavonoids also reduce cell damage, which decreases tumor growth chances (cancer fighter!)

Traces of caffeine is found in dark chocolate...keeps you stimulated.

Epicatechin can be found in dark chocolate, which improves memory.

Magnesium found in dark chocolate improves and helps the regulation of the digestive, neurological, and cardiovascular system. (Wow!)

Interesting fact from Healthy Diaries: "Jeanne Calment, the world's longest-lived person lived to the age of 122 and many ascribed her longevity in part to her consumption of 2.5 pounds of dark chocolate a week." Interesting, right?

Check out today's Tasty Tuesday for a delicious recipe with chocolate!

And please do not replace healthy foods for chocolate. While chocolate IS healthy - remember, moderation is key. If you currently eat a sweet treat in your diet - switch it up for a piece of dark chocolate. (Note - I said a piece...not a whole chocolate bar.) One ounce per day is plenty.

9 comments:

  1. I might be the only person out there who doesn't like dark chocolate. It's sad I know!! Dark chocolate does have such great health benefits too!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  2. I love me some chocolate so seeing that a little here and there is actually healthy makes me a happy girl! Chocolate love!

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  3. I don't like dark chocolate either, Jayme! I hate how bitter it is!

    xo,
    A

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  4. I love dark chocolate!! Thanks for sharing all these great facts! :)

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  5. YUM YUM YUM!

    I used to hate dark chocolate and say that only old ladies eat it... I guess I'm now an old lady, because I LOVE IT! Newman's Own Organics makes some GREAT dark chocolate options... I wand some NOW :)

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  6. I only bake with dark chocolate now. yummy

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  7. The woman who consumed so much chocolate a week, do you know how much she weighed when she died? Just curious it 2.5 pounds a week just seems like a lot to me :)
    -barbie @ Style of a Mrs.

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  8. I have always loved dark chocolate, and now I love it even more!! :)

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  9. i had 2 small pieces of hershey's dark tonight. :) they are so good with wine or even a cup of coffee!
    now i want another piece ;)
    xoxox

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