There is no excuse to splurge and eat all the chocolate you want except in moderation of course. That can be everyday if you are indulging in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is proven to actually have hidden health benefits, if that isn't a good enough excuse to treat yourself not only today, but every day than I don’t know what is.
Cacao is found in the tropical American evergreen trees in West Africa. There are seeds filled with cacao that grow on the trees.The magic happens when cacao is used in dark chocolate. It is loaded with nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your health and is said to be able to lower your risk of heart disease. You should treat yourself with dark chocolate because…
1. Cacao is nutritious.
Cacao is loaded with fiber and mineral including iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. Along with that, it contains many antioxidants for an added health benefit.
2. Cacao is a heart protector for your emotional and cardiovascular health.
It's already known that a box of chocolates can fix just about any emotional disaster or heartbreak but it also protects your heart from cardiovascular disease. Flavonols is an antioxidant found in cacao that is an anti-inflammatory. Cacao also contains over 700 complex antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol.
3. Cacao prevents blood clots.
It is known as being a blood thinner and with that reduces the risk of blood clots at an older age. Instead of taking an aspirin daily, it wouldn't hurt to replace that with some dark chocolate.
4. Cacao prevents early aging.
Everyone’s biggest fear about growing old would have to be wrinkles. But if eating dark chocolate everyday means I’m preventing early aging, than count me in on that. It contains polyphenol antioxidants which protect our cells from destruction and keep us looking ad feeling younger a lot longer.
5. Cacao creates energy and fights back against fat.
You hear that right, cacao combats fat. Cacao contains a high concentration of magnesium which lowers blood pressure and prevents diabetes which leds to obesity. It is also known to be associated with protection against osteoporosis.
6. Cacao has the ability to reset your metabolism.
With a use of a two-week intake, you can get your metabolism back in check. Cacao reduces your stress hormones which can affect your metabolism.
7. Cacao prevents against sunburn and skin cancer.
Those who consume cacao have been proven to stay in the sun longer without getting burned. It helps in protection against strong UV rays which can lead to skin cancer.
8. Cacao fights against tooth decay.
The extract of cacao powder helps strengthen the tooth enamel. It makes for a tasty way to prevent cavities.
9. Cacao contains healthy fats that your body needs.
Yes, no one wants to hear the word fat, but your body does need healthy fats. Cacao contains the healthy fats that your body needs. Healthy fats help with immune function and overall growth.
10. Cacao allows for healthy, glowing, and moisturized skin.
Two words: cocoa butter. It's literally the best stuff ever and comes from cacao.
11. Cacao balances hormonal mood swings.
Ladies, you'll love this. When you're feeling a PMS mood swing coming on, just take in some dark chocolate. Cacao increases the level of serotonin in the brain which are responsible for your feel good mood.
Whether you're in it for the health benefits or just for the chocolate, a healthy dose of dark chocolate can be beneficial in many ways.
