Chocolate has provoked many debates, but studies have come to prove how fantastic it is for your health! It contains so many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, proteins and fiber that it would be impossible to deny the good that it does for your body, especially in its richest, darkest form. The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa and antioxidants it offers, as well as leaving you totally satisfied in just a few small squares.
Next time you’re feeling guilty about picking from the chocolate aisle, let these 10 proven health benefits melt you up:
- It is Full of Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for a healthy body as it boosts the amount of oxygen carriers in your blood. 100 grams of chocolate meets 44% of your daily requirement of iron, making it an excellent red blood cell supporter.
- It’s a Source of Dietary Fiber
The darker the chocolate, the more fiber it offers, giving you up to 11 grams per 100 gram bar, which meets over 40% of your daily requirement of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to keep you regular, rids your arteries of plaque buildup and eliminates toxins.
- It’s a Light Stimulant
Chocolate contains a gentle dose of caffeine, which helps to stimulate your brain and nerves, keeping you energized and alert throughout the day.
- It Helps you Relax
Being high in magnesium makes chocolate an excellent relaxant for stiff muscles, as well as triggering the release of chemicals in your brain that dissolves stress and mental fatigue. 100 grams offers 36% of your daily requirement for magnesium, making every bite important for nerve, brain and muscle function.
- It’s Full of Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of our muscles, tissues and cells, and chocolate is a great source of it. The amino acids in chocolate help to repair tired muscles and help to renew strength and tone.
- It Improves Circulation
Each serving of chocolate contains a decent dose of potassium, which has been proven to relax arteries, reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation. It also helps to balance the fluids in your body, which is important for optimum blood flow.
- It is Good for Your Heart
Chocolate contains powerful antioxidants and flavonols that help to reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage in the cardiovascular system. The rich source of fiber combined with plenty of healthy fats means a healthier heart long-term.
- It’s a Rich Source of Minerals
Containing copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium makes chocolate a mineral rich snack that can benefit your entire body. These essential minerals help to prevent disease by keeping your cells and organs nurtured with exactly what they need to stay healthy.
- It Controls your Appetite
The satisfying and endorphin releasing experience of eating chocolate has been proven to reduce your daily caloric load by up to 17%, keeping your appetite in control to maintain a healthy waistline.
- It’s Packed with Antioxidants
Antioxidants are miracle workers for fighting free radical damage, which means that it’s an excellent anti-ageing treat. It keeps your entire body healthy by rejuvenating your cells, protecting you from pollution, chemicals and the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Conclusion:
No matter how much could possibly be wrong with eating chocolate, studies have proven that the good far outweighs the bad! Eating good quality chocolate a few times a week, especially the darkest chocolate that you can find, can give you a profound health kick that you never thought possible in such a delicious treat!
http://healthyhubb.com/15-incredible-health-benefits-of-chocolate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_chocolate
http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongnutrition/p/chocolate.htm
