Desserts often get a bad reputation. It has sugar, carbs, fat, all the bad things that we try to avoid in our diets and seem to fail miserably at. For those foodies who love a rich and decadent dessert, all this bad news can leave you feeling like you’re making the wrong decision.
The good news is that there is a dessert option that most people enjoy that also has some health benefits. While it’s probably best to eat it in moderation, instead of enjoying a case full of them, chocolate is the dessert I’m talking about. Did you know chocolate had health benefits? My mind was blown when I learned about all the unique things that eating a bit of dark chocolate every day can do for your health.
Did You Know That Chocolate Can Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dark chocolate is the best kind of chocolate to consider when you want to experience the health benefits of this tasty treat. For those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there is some good news. Harvard researchers discovered that patients who drink hot cocoa daily may experience some improvements in memory. Additionally, they also get improved blood flow to the brain which helps to boost other mental capabilities. While chocolate won’t heal all the damage, there is early evidence that compounds in chocolate can also help prevent mental decline.
Did You Know That Chocolate Is Good For The Heart?
With all the bad news about heart disease and preventing heart disease, this is good news. When you want to enjoy dark chocolate bars on occasion or indulge in a different chocolate treat, not only is it fine, but it can also improve your cardiovascular system. People with higher consumption of chocolate, at least a few times a week, were less likely to experience heart attacks or strokes than those who had little to no chocolate on a regular basis.
Did You Know That Chocolate Can Boost Your Problem-Solving Skills?
Being a good problem solver is great whether you need to complete a math problem or you’re working through a complex project at work. Finding solutions when you need them is critical for your success. Some research has shown that eating dark chocolate can give you a mental boost that can help you specifically with math, but that it also extends into other areas of problem-solving.
Did You Know That Chocolate Makes You Happy?
Have you ever sat down to indulge in a delicious chocolate bar? How did you feel? You probably felt pretty good, and the research is clear, eating chocolate does make you feel happier. So, the truth is, it’s not just you. Eating this yummy treat can improve your mood within minutes making you feel less stressed, less angry, and more at peace. Want to be happier, say yes to the chocolate at least some of the time.
Did You Know That Chocolate Has Nutrients?
While most people think about salads as being nutritious, what is chocolate anyway? Well, it comes from a plant, so eating chocolate is almost like eating a salad, right? Well, maybe not quite, but when you eat very dark chocolate with 70-90% or more of cocoa in it, you’ll also get almost all of your copper and manganese needs met for the day.
Did You Know That Chocolate Can Make You Less Tired?
Pretend that you were prescribed chocolate to eat every day for two months. What do you think would happen? In one study with people who experience chronic fatigue and exhaustion, they experienced less tiredness and none of them gained any weight from it. This is great news for you chocolate lovers out there who like to indulge in just a little every day.
Eating chocolate is one of life’s indulgences, that fortunately for most people, does not need to be eliminated if you are trying to eat healthily. You can have your chocolate and enjoy many heart-healthy benefits and other positive health changes. Chocolate is one of those foods that are nutritious, delicious, and can make life feel just a little better. If you have to give up some foods for your health, think twice before you ditch the dark chocolate. You might miss out on something good.
