I love chocolate, you love chocolate, we all love chocolate (that is, most of us). But did you know that this decadent dessert is actually a superfood? Not the sugared-up, milk chocolate, of course, but the real, dark chocolate (at least 70%), or raw cocoa. If you're anything like me and would die to dive into Willy Wonka’s chocolate river just once, hearing that indulging in chocolate can actually be good for you is like music to your ears. So I’ve made a list below about exactly that. Becuase dark chocolate is a superfood.
It’s Good For Your Body
Where would a superfood be without nutrients? Cocoa is packed with potent flavonoids (which act as anti-inflammatories), and key vitamins and minerals. Here’s just a few of them: magnesium, iron, manganese, fiber, copper, selenium, phosphorous, potassium, and theobromine (good for your teeth)
It’s Good For Your Heart
Cocoa reduces blood pressure and risk of heart failure by almost 50% according to a study done by John Hopkins University. And according to Harvard, this is because cocoa lowers blood pressure, decreases LDL oxidation, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. See where I got this information here.
It’ Good For Your Soul
When you eat dark chocolate, fireworks go off in your brain. Endorphins and anandamide are released; these are the chemicals that make you feel happy. Phenylethylamine is also released, which gently lifts your mood and helps you feel more focused and alert. Lastly, serotonin is released into the brain, acting as a mood lifter and stabilizer, and possibly helping regulate your sleep.
Here's my new favorite gif on the internet:
