Don’t be afraid of chocolate addicts – there are benefits

We all know that eating chocolate is good for our wellness factor or even our soul, but now new research also shows that eating chocolate CAN be beneficial to our health, both physically and mentally. Chocolate has many different compounds and some of them are really beneficial for us, not just in taste.

What are some of the benefits for us of the compounds in chocolate?

* Dark chocolate: helps fight inflammation.

* Protection of the brain and nervous system, and can actually help prolong your life thanks to a compound called resveratrol.

* Cellular repair thanks to chocolate that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent something called free radicals.

* The polyphenols found naturally in cocoa actually increase the levels of the “good” cholesterol, while at the same time reducing the “bad” variety, I say everyone wins!

Are you one of those people who feel good after biting into a chocolate bar or refer to yourself as a ‘choco addict’? Well, there could be a reason for this and for these feelings to occur. These feelings are due to a certain chemical:

The chemical reason is called anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that temporarily blocks the feeling of pain and depression. Apparently, anandamide has a similar high to marijuana, but not a strong “high” associated with it. We all know that many of you turn to chocolate whenever life is a bit difficult, but this chemical is probably what makes us feel better! There is also another chemical in it that makes this feeling last even longer.

Chocolate for energy? We all know that chocolate contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can help increase physical energy and alertness … and caffeine is not always necessarily a bad thing, as we have seen a lot of publicity in the news. Theobromine is another natural stimulant that also helps with physical and mental energy. These two chemicals working together have been shown to improve blood pressure!

Healthy chocolate vs. bad chocolate:

There is much debate on this topic, but I will give you the basics of what to look for to help optimize these beneficial properties contained in the chocolate you eat:

– dark chocolate is the best

– high cocoa content

– organic chocolate bars

– the less sugar, the better – sugar destroys our immune system

– natural is best: nothing artificial – this includes sweeteners, flavors and certain preservatives

– beware of chocolate with genetically modified ingredients

Remember, as with everything, moderation is the key here. Almost everything we eat in moderation has benefits for our body. I’m just saying, yes, chocolate has a lot of health benefits, but that doesn’t mean eating 3 bars every day! The best recommended amount that I have found is from http://www.mercola.com/ and it states that ‘6.7 grams a day (or a small square of chocolate two or three times a week), which provides the best benefits to health. While it’s certainly a pleasant surprise that chocolate is really good for you, eating the right amount is crucial if you want it to be a benefit rather than a drawback. ” This is well-written information and I love the part at the end: that chocolate is a benefit and not a disadvantage.

Enjoy your chocolate!

Interested in losing weight? Take a look at my top 10 nutrition facts for a six pack, or a flat / toned stomach for women here … and combine it with my top 10 exercise tips for the best results!