Why Eating Chocolate Is Good For You
Who doesn’t love indulging in a chocolaty guilty pleasure every now and then?
And to top it off, what if I told you this rich and tasty treat is actually good for you? That’s right – today I’m diving into why eating chocolate has benefits over and above the obvious.
We’ll unwrap the surprising health and mental benefits of consuming dark chocolate. From its positive effect on your physical health to its beneficial impact on your mood and even how it helps your brain function.
And – surprise! – maybe even help you in your business!
Ready? Let’s dive into the world of cocoa flavanols and the reasons to feel great about your next dark chocolate splurge.
Physical Health Benefits Of Chocolate
When it comes to health benefits, dark chocolate is a powerhouse of antioxidants.
Dark chocolate is made with cocoa solids that must have a high percentage of cocoa (over 70 percent) in order for it to be classified as dark. This high concentration helps provide your body with an antioxidant-rich boost. Why does that matter? Because antioxidants help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Not to get too scientific, but free radicals occur during normal metabolic processes. When left unchecked, they can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA. This results in visible signs of aging and inflammation in your body, and can even lead to diseases like diabetes or cancer.
So, stopping those free radicals in their tracks is definitely something we all want. Hooray – chocolate to the rescue!
But, we’re not done yet. Dark chocolate also contains flavanols, which have been studied for their health benefits as well. Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa and other plants like grapes, apples, and tea.
These flavanols have potential cardiovascular benefits due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties too. Studies suggest that consuming cocoa flavanols can help to:
- decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- and even improve the function of your blood vessels, helping to regulate blood pressure.
Finally, dark chocolate is also a good source of many essential nutrients and vitamins. It contains beneficial minerals such as fiber, iron, magnesium, and zinc which can help with nutrient absorption and provide your body with an extra boost.
With all these potential health benefits combined with its delicious taste, dark chocolate definitely earns its place as a favored indulgent treat.
How Chocolate Supports Mental Health
Guess what? It doesn’t stop there. The mental benefits of eating chocolate are just as impressive.
Eating chocolate also releases dopamine in your brain, the “happy” neurotransmitter that helps you stay focused and motivated. Studies suggest that eating dark chocolate can also help reduce stress hormones like cortisol, helping improve your mental clarity.
Then there’s mood regulation. Dark chocolate helps here too through the release of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that act as natural painkillers and can make you feel good after indulging in a sweet treat. And dark chocolate also contains serotonin, which is associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation.
There’s more! Dark chocolate has been known to improve cognitive function and memory due to its cocoa flavanols. Studies have shown that these compounds can help enhance learning and thinking, as well as reduce age-related cognitive decline.
Finally, chocolate has been associated with psychological comfort and emotional well-being. It’s known to be comforting for many people in times of stress or sadness, giving them a quick mood boost.
So if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, reach for some dark chocolate!
Bottom Line
While it’s always important to eat a balanced diet overall, dark chocolate can definitely have its place in your meal plan.
Not only is dark chocolate delicious and a way to pamper yourself, but it also provides an array of health benefits that can be beneficial to your physical and mental health.
So the next time you’re looking for a treat, reach for some cocoa-rich dark chocolate and enjoy – guilt-free.
How Chocolate is Good For Your Business
Now you know many of the ways eating chocolate can make you feel better both physically and mentally. But can it really help you as a business owner?
Absolutely! Eating chocolate can help give you a mental and physical boost, which in turn could lead to increased productivity.
Its health benefits can help you stay energized and alert throughout the day. And the antioxidants and caffeine can help combat fatigue and improve your mental focus.
Dark chocolate has even been known to aid with problem-solving skills, allowing you to think more clearly and work through any challenges you come across in your workday.
And chocolate’s health benefits can help reduce stress levels and improve overall wellbeing – giving you the motivation and positive outlook you need to stay focused on your goals.
For more, check out:
Is It Time to UP Your Chocolate Intake? You Decide
Now that you know more about the health benefits and mental perks of dark chocolate, it’s time to decide if chocolate is good or bad for you.
The answer? As with everything, it depends.
For most, dark chocolate can be a great addition to your diet in moderation. Just remember to look for cocoa-rich dark chocolates with over 70 percent cocoa content for maximum health benefits.
So go ahead and indulge in some guilt-free chocolaty goodness! Your body, mind, and business will thank you for it.
About the author, Sue
With over 30 years of business development and marketing experience, I've been fortunate to work with hundreds of companies of all sizes. Their needs range from start-up guidelines to advanced business building strategies. As current founder and owner of The Ribbon Print Company, we continue to recognize the need for these services ... not just for our customers but for the gifting industry as a whole. That's where the inspiration began for the Gift Biz Unwrapped Podcast and Blog.