Heart Health

Research has shown that dark chocolate can actually be good for your heart! In a 9-year study of over 30,000 women, those who ate at least one serving of dark chocolate every week reduced their risk of heart complications by one third. Dark chocolate has also been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps blood flow around the body.

Reduces Risk of Diabetes

Chocolate can actually prevent diabetes? You read correctly! Dark chocolate has shown to reduce insulin sensitivity as well as improve glucose regulation, reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes, but only in moderation!

Protects Skin

Have scientists found an alternative to sunscreen? Chocolate high in flavonoids has been shown to slow the negative effects of prolonged sun exposure and protects the skin against harmful UV rays. Studies have shown that those who consume a moderate amount of chocolate packed with flavonoids show a decreased sensitivity to UV rays, meaning that turning red with sunburn was less likely to occur.

Helps Reduce Cough

Trying to stop that cough? If cough medicines aren’t doing the trick, try chocolate! A chemical found in chocolate, theobromine, helps reduce cough. However, don’t count this as the ultimate cure for a cough. Just like common cold medicines, chocolate can only reduce the symptom, not eliminate it entirely.

Mood booster

While the taste of chocolate is enough to boost anyone’s mood, it can really have a positive effect on your mood on a deeper level. Chocolate has been found to boost endorphins and serotonin, both responsible for giving you that “feel good” feeling. Chocolate also raises your levels of dopamine and oxytocin. In addition, studies have confirmed that women who consume chocolate during their pregnancy were capable of handling stress more than those who avoided chocolate.

Prevent memory decline and improve brain function.

Chocolate that has high levels of flavonoidshelps blood flow to the brain, which can result in the improved performance of cognitive brain function. Studies have also suggested that the moderate consumption of chocolate can prevent memory decline that can eventually lead to Alzheimer’s.

Keep in mind that chocolate only poses as a health benefit in the right amounts, and within the right kids of chocolate: high cocoa content, and less sugar content, means better for overall health. And, as in all other things we love to indulge in, moderation is always key. So don’t be afraid to choose chocolate this holiday season!