What are the benefits of chocolate?

Have you ever heard about the benefits of eating chocolate? Do you know that chocolate contains some very important pharmacologically active ingredients that are very good for our health such as anandamide and phenylethylamine? Let’s explore some of the benefits of eating chocolates.

chocolate

IMPROVES MOOD

You will be surprised to know that chocolate is a great companion for you when you are in a bad mood because the flavonoids in dark chocolates are the ones that have a positive influence on the stressors in our mind. It immediately helps to reduce anxiety and stress in our body. Besides flavonoids, dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine that works to arouse feelings of being in love. For this reason, chocolate is known as the love drug and sharing them with someone is a great way to show your love for others.

MAINTAINS HEART HEALTH

The antioxidant properties of flavonoids are present in chocolate in rich quantities which helps to prevent the blood from clotting. It also facilitates in protecting the lining of the arteries. Furthermore, the consumption of chocolate doesn’t increase the level of cholesterol in the body as the saturated fats present in chocolate is different from the saturated fats present in dairy and meat. Eating dark chocolate at any age can greatly help improve our cardiovascular health, fight against cell damage, and improve circulation.

AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

“Oh, don’t eat chocolate! It’s the junk food that is harming your health!” We have all been told this, however eating chocolate that doesn’t have preservatives is going to be your BFF. Yes, certain types of sweetened and low-quality chocolates or candies may cause harm to your health. However, eating high-quality dark chocolate can provide tons of benefits to your body. Weight loss is accelerated by eating dark chocolate. The consumption of dark chocolate stabilizes your blood sugar, reduces cravings, and controls appetite.

RECOMMENDED QUANTITY AND WHAT TYPE OF CHOCOLATE TO EAT

Out of all the chocolates, the one that has the most of the benefits to your health is dark chocolate. Godiva brand dark chocolate, or any others labeled as dark chocolate are great. However, Health experts agree that daily consumption of dark chocolate should be no more than 30g-60g or 1-2 ounces in a day.

Note: I prefer adding raw cacao powder and/or raw cacao nibs to my raw dessert recipes. Raw cacao is unlike chocolate bars/candy which are highly processed. If you purchase chocolate, look for chocolate with at least 70% cacao.

Chocolate Recipes

Choco Protein Balls

Makes 6 balls

1 tablespoon almond flour

8 ounces peanut butter

2 teaspoons cacao powder

1 teaspoon chocolate powder

2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder

4 ounces ground hazelnuts, divided

½ cup whole hazelnuts

COMBINE INGREDIENTS. Combine almond flour with peanut butter, cacao, chocolate, protein powder, and 2 ounces of ground hazelnuts. Mix well and allow mixture to sit for 30 minutes.

FORM BALLS. Form small balls out of the mixture, putting 1 whole hazelnut inside each ball. Roll the balls over ground hazelnuts and serve.

Chocolate Cherries

Serves 2

10 ounces dark chocolate

2 cups fresh cherries

MELT CHOCOLATE. Melt chocolate in ½ cup of hot water. Set aside.

PREPARE CHERRIES. Wash and clean the cherries. Remove the seeds.

COAT CHERRIES IN CHOCOLATE. Submerge the cherries in the heated chocolate to coat. Allow the cherries to cool and then put them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

For more recipes, click here for your free Love Yourself Silly with Chocolate Guide.

To your Health. Enjoy!