Chocolate! We all know it, we all love it, and we all eat it like there is no tomorrow. There is no better feeling than knowing you’ve eaten clean the entire week and then treating yourself by eating chocolate. At this moment, all the yearning and serenity in the world concentrate into a single incredible bite. Sorry for being so descriptive, we hope we didn’t cause you to run to the nearest store to treat yourself. Now, it’s a well-known fact that chocolate in overly abundant amounts is not good for you. Then again, is there anything in the world that isn’t bad when overdone? It’s important to know that chocolate is very beneficial when it comes to your body and mind. It has a few well-hidden health benefits that just might end up making a difference.

It relieves stress

No, it’s not the taste that calms you down. There is science behind this amazing effect of chocolate. Eating cocoa-based chocolate makes the brain increase the levels of serotonin. What’s serotonin, you ask? Well, it’s an important neurotransmitter that is a natural antidepressant. So, the next time you feel bummed out, grab some dark chocolate and everything will be okay. There are other compounds in chocolate that reduce stress, a study shows. The more cocoa chocolate has, the stronger its antidepressant effects will be. Sweet and healthy, that’s right.

Lowers cholesterol

Dark chocolate is especially abundant with cocoa. Cocoa has certain abilities that reduce low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol. On eating enough chocolate on a weekly basis, you can have good cardiovascular health. A lack of bad cholesterol means wide arteries and blood vessels, which ensures excellent blood flow. That means that your body will transport oxygen better and you’ll be fitter. Not only that, but chocolate also raises the amounts of good cholesterol! The good one reduces the risk of cardiac arrests and strokes. With good chocolate, you’ll get a myriad of health benefits. What are you waiting for?

Reduces high blood pressure

What can’t this magical sweet do, we wonder? Dark chocolate is especially active in this part of your cardiovascular health. This is because it contains high amounts of flavonoid, an important antioxidant. It’s incredibly useful when it comes to reducing blood stickiness and clotting. Things like that increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Flavonoids add a valuable weapon to your arsenal of defenses against heart conditions. Just remember to choose chocolate with lots of cocoa. The darker it is, the more antioxidants it has. Ensure a healthy heart through a tasty snack. Seems doable, right?

Stroke prevention

No matter how much you like chocolate, it’s important to know one thing. It’s not just a momentary satisfaction; it’s an investment for the future. By eating chocolate now, you will reduce any risk of suffering a stroke in later life. Flavonoids not only regulate blood pressure, but they also prevent strokes. The best thing is that you don’t even need that much chocolate. Eating a single bar once a week will keep your blood flow to the brain completely fine. A sweet, effortless and healthy investment? Yes, please!

Improves brain function

Chocolate improves blood flow to the brain. After consuming it, you will notice your mental capabilities skyrocket. The reason behind this is flavonoids expand your blood vessels. Also, it helps your brain to receive more blood. Good blood flow to your head means more oxygen. The more oxygen you have, the faster your mind will work. This is not only a momentary change; you will be even more thankful in the future. If you’re working a stressful job and are in need of help, turn to chocolate. A bar on a weekly basis will make your endeavors much easier than before.

Aids weight loss

You’ve probably never heard someone connect chocolate with weight loss, but it’s true. The science is simple. The more cocoa chocolate has, the more fiber it has. And we all know how beneficial fiber is. Your digestive tract will be more efficient, and you won’t have any difficulties anymore. Another benefit of chocolate is an incredible amount of antioxidants. When you ingest, they will cause a feeling of fullness. This is why dark chocolate is an excellent weight loss partner. Not only is it sweet and nutritious, but it also causes you to eat less. Give it a try!

Skin protection

Our skin is mostly damaged because of the effects of free radicals. As we get older, we tend to neglect to have a well-rounded diet. You can reverse that process by adding chocolate to your diet. With the number of antioxidants it has, chocolate will almost entirely neutralize the effects of free radicals. Having trouble with sensitive skin? Chocolate can help in that department, too. Flavonoids in the chocolate can help your skin get protection from ultraviolet sun rays. With the holes in the ozone layer, such an addition is always welcome.

Neutralizes coughing

Have you heard of theobromine by any chance? No? It’s okay; you’ll going to love him when you get to know what he does. It’s a unique compound that you can find in chocolate. It relaxes the nerves in the throat and can stop any coughing symptoms in a matter of hours. Several British studies have shown that patients who eat chocolate often cough much less. Although theobromine exists in some medications, it’s best to get it from its natural source. Unlike over-the-counter medicines, chocolate doesn’t affect cardiovascular health. It also doesn’t cause drowsiness. And the best part? It’s sweet and tasty!

Beats diarrhea

If you’ve ever had problems with diarrhea, you know that dark chocolate can help neutralize it. But have you ever wondered why is that? It happens because chocolate contains large amounts of flavonoids. They inhibit the release of substances that make the stool fluid. Because the body digests chocolate fast, you will feel its effects in no time. If you aim to stop diarrhea for good, eat the darkest chocolate around. Also, make sure you eat a little bit more than usual. That way, your body will get lots of flavonoids because of the high cocoa content.

Lowers blood sugar

This is particularly the case for dark chocolate. Several studies around the world have shown that cocoa regulates insulin resistance. That means that your body will use insulin more effectively. Such a change may prevent the start of diabetes or other dangerous conditions. It’s low on the glycemic index, meaning that it isn’t too sweet. The one thing you have to watch out for is eating too much. Chocolate contains lots of calories. Eating too much may cause adverse effects on your health and even hinder your weight loss.