The Benefits of Consuming Chocolate - Finally Something that tastes great and has health benefits!
We all love a little (or in my case, a lot) of chocolate in our diet.
Now that Easter has passed, and all of the 75% off chocolate bunnies have been purchased & consumed, (at least within our house ), I've decided to take a look into the possibility that chocolate, might just have some health benefits.
From heart health to facial scrubs, there are many uses for chocolate out there.
Serotonin Levels and Chocolate
Serotonin is a natural stimulant that helps decrease your stress levels and lifts your mood.
Consuming chocolate naturally boosts the serotonin level in your body!
Eating Chocolate = Less Stress and who doesn't want that in their life.
Chocolate Facial Scrub
This isn't actually consuming chocolate, but wearing it.
Chocolate contains antioxidants which helps prevent the signs of skin aging . (this is grabbing my attention, at 44, I'm beginning to see some lady with slight under eye wrinkles staring back at me in the mirror!)
- Mix all ingredients into small container.
- Apply to face and neck avoiding eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.
Chocolate Facial Mask Recipe
- 2 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 Tbsp Honey
Heart Health & Flavonoids
Cocoa is the key ingredient in chocolate.
Cocoa helps prevent blood clotting, helps to lower the bad cholesterol, and improves blood flow. Eat dark chocolate to aid in heart health, it contains more flavonoids. Chocolate may work similar to aspirin to assist in keeping platelets from sticking together.
The flavonoids also help to protect your skin and increase blood flow. The increased blood flow makes your skin appear refreshed & feel smooth.
PMS & Chocolate Cravings
Cravings
Oh that time of month and chocolate cravings. I don't know about you, but my cravings start out with salt and end with chocolate!
Why do we crave chocolate?
Menstruation = cells depleted of magnesium
Chocolate is packed with magnesium
Chocolate cravings justified, go ahead and indulge!
Chocolate & Weight Loss?
According to the BBC, the study found those who ate chocolate a few times a week were, on average, slimmer than those who ate it occasionally. Chocolate does have a lot of calories but scientists believe it also has ingredients that help with weight loss.
To receive the benefits of chocolate, consuming in moderation and choosing the dark variety is key.