Dark chocolate is healthy too!

Believe it or not, despite the amount of criticism chocolate gets, it can be very good for you. At least in the form of dark chocolate anyway. Think about it, chocolate is made from plants, so it contains many of the same health benefits you find in dark vegetables. There’s an antioxidant in it known as a flavanoid that help protect your body from ageing signs, that lead to problems like heart disease.

So when dark chocolate is used in your favourite special chocolates, you are actually eating something that is beneficial to you, despite what health experts would have you believe. Obviously eating an enormous bar during your cheeky bingo game might cause an issue with weight, because you’re not eating in moderation, but a small bit a day never hurt anyone.

Happiness – Chocolate releases endorphins in your body, that give off the feeling we associate with being in love. So you’re giving yourself a mood boost. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin, which is a natural anti-depressant.

Your heart – A small amount of dark chocolate a day can help maintain your heart and cardiovascular system. This is because for one, studies have shown that dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure. And secondly it’s been known to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) by up to 10 percent.

Fats – Chocolate is blamed for weight problems, but if you balance the amount of nougat and milk chocolate you eat, with dark chocolate, the effect isn’t as bad as you think. Chocolate consists of oleic acid (1/3), stearic acid (1/3) and palmitic acid (1/3). Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat, stearic acid is saturated, but actually has a neutral effect on your cholesterol. Palmitic acid is the only fat which is an issue.

So don’t cut dark chocolate out of your life, even if you’re on a diet. Within moderation, you’ll find that your chocolate habit is also serving you well.